ABU DHABI // Residents are being warned not to wash their cars in public places and repeat offenders will face a Dh500 fine.
It has been forbidden in the city since the start of the year because it wastes water, attracts insects and damages roads and pavements when water builds up on the asphalt.
The public health division of Abu Dhabi City Municipality has now launched a campaign to raise awareness and urge the public to abide by the rule.
Repeat offenders will face a Dh500 fine if they fail to comply after repeated warnings.
So far, the authority has caught 199 people washing their vehicles in inappropriate areas of the city.
“The campaign reported several unhygienic and disorderly practices of washing cars in streets in a way that distorts the general outlook of the streets and undermines the public health as well as infrastructure projects,” said Khalifa Mohammed Al Rumaithi, the director of public health at Abu Dhabi City Municipality.
He said: “The civic body is currently following up all warnings issued to offenders to verify their compliance with the public appearance of the city.”
As well as protecting the environment in Abu Dhabi, refraining from washing your car in a public place was important to maintain a good image of the city, the authority said.
“This drive highlights the Municipality’s strategy of maintaining the cleanliness of the city and improving its public appearance, as well as enhancing the security and safety aspects. It also contributes to reducing environmental pollution and associated negative impacts, besides, promoting the environmental awareness of community members and enabling them to play an interactive role in the protection and preservation of the environment,” he said.
Mr Al Rumaithi urged all members of the local community to comply with their requests and understand the environmental importance of the issue as well as the aesthetic impact that it may have.
KSinclair@thenational.ae
