Motorists can pay fines via mobiles in Abu Dhabi

Motorists will soon be able to pay their traffic fines via mobile phone, said Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Director of Abu Dhabi Police Information Technology Department and acting Director of the Communi-cation Department.

Lt Col Al Raisi was quoted by the Arabic daily Akhbar Al Arab as saying Abu Dhabi Police will launch the service this week.

All procedures have already been taken to activate the new service, which will help people save time and effort.

The vehicle owner must call telephone No. 900-9211, then press "9" to contact the specific extension. In order to pay, he must insert his car's data according to instructions given by the answering machine, then his credit card number and finally, the secret code.

Once the operation has been processed, a receipt number will be issued, while the original receipt will be kept at the Traffic and Licensing Section.

A series of e-services have already been introduced in various police departments and sections, thanks to Major General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, said Lt Col Al Raisi.

Abu Dhabi Police have launched several e-services, among them short messages via mobile phone to inform motorists about the expiry date of their vehicle registration card or driving licence.

These short messages will help motorists remember important information about their vehicles and avoid paying more fines, explained Lt Col Al Raisi.

Abu Dhabi Police recently issued a new driving licence valid for 10 years. "The licence is of high quality, with excellent type face," said Lt Col Al Raisi.

Applicants can log onto Abu Dhabi Police website to learn about documents required to process their transactions rapidly, said Lt Col Al Raisi.

The department seeks to provide Abu Dhabi Police with all e-services, which enable applicants to complete their transactions at minimum cost and effort, said Lt Col Al Raisi.