System that allowed bad drivers to dodge confiscation scrapped

Dubai: Police have abolished a system under which errant motorists could pay a fee to avoid confiscation of their car - because it was not enough of a deterrent to bad driving.

It was found that the majority of motorists who paid money instead of having their vehicles confiscated then went on to repeat the offences.

Under the previous system, which was implemented several months ago, drivers could pay Dh100 per day for each day of the confiscation period. They could choose to pay for all or a number of days.

The confiscation period is from one week to three months, depending on the severity of the offence. However, motorists who committed dangerous offences did not have the option of paying to avoid having their vehicles impounded.

Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police, said the system was changed because it did not reduce the number of traffic offences. He said confiscation of vehicles was more effective in stopping errant motorists and a stricter punishment.

Meanwhile, Brigadier Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Director of Dubai Police's Traffic Department, said that the department had increased the number of police patrols on the emirate's roads in preparation for the Eid Al Adha holidays.