DUBAI // Smoking motorists will be hit with Dh1,000 fines if caught throwing cigarette butts from cars in a clampdown on loutish driving behaviour.
Police said those polluting the environment and causing fire hazards needed to face tougher deterrents.
The fine from July 1 is an increase on the Dh500 penalty and comes with six black points on the driver’s licence. Any member of the public caught littering can be hit with the same fine.
This month, Dubai Municipality picked up 30 kilograms of cigarette waste from Sheikh Zayed Road in a single day.
Maj Gen Mohammed Al Zafeen, assistant commander of Dubai Police, said many drivers did not understand the seriousness of the issue.
“When drivers are pulled over for throwing a cigarette butt from their car, they are often surprised and angry, arguing their offence is minor.
“Since smoking and cigarette butts have serious impacts on the environment, everyone should collaborate to preserve the environment from these toxic materials.”
Gen Al Zafeen said many parents smoked while their children were in the car, endangering their health.
“Imagine what might happens to a child who suffers from asthma or breathing difficulties,” he said.
Col Rashid Buflasa, director of Dubai’s fire and rescue department, said CCTV centre staff watching the roads and street patrols would be on the lookout for flicked butts.
“There is no doubt in our minds that the many fires seen on the motorway edge of roads are caused by people flinging cigarettes from car windows,” Col Buflasa said.
“Besides the possible fire risk it is a pollution hazard. People have to be more responsible.”
nramahi@thenational.ae
