Sharjah: Police yesterday seized 39 modified vehicles as part of the move to put a stop to disturbances in neighbourhoods.
Colonel Shuwwaf Mohammad Abdul Rahman, Director of Traffic and Patrol Section at Sharjah Police, said police seized 33 vehicles in the city of Sharjah, two in the Eastern Region, and four in the Central Region.
Pioneer order
"Sharjah is considered a pioneer in such orders which serve the public. The streets are currently free of any noisy vehicles. Previously, noisy cars used to be caught and impounded and the driver would pay the fine.
"But once the car was out of confiscation the driver would then repeat the offence. Now, the law is much stricter and the car is seized permanently," said Abdul Rahman.
The new rule was implemented on April 1 as per the instructions of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to permanently confiscate vehicles that disturb the peace of people in residential areas.
Abdul Rahman said a committee comprising members of various departments was formed to set up mobile and stationary checkpoints, as well as to discuss the mechanism to apprehend these vehicles and subject them to inspections to determine if the modifications made were contrary to regulations.
He added that he has coordinated with the concerned department that specialises in vehicle testing, which will have the final say on whether or not a vehicle has violated regulations.
On the first day of implementing the order, Sharjah Police confiscated a total of 120 vehicles in Sharjah city.
Garages warned
Police have also warned that garages will be closed down if they are found to be responsible for modifying exhaust systems or providing any other facility that enables a vehicle's engine to emit loud sounds.
Abu Dhabi to launch campaign in June
Abu Dhabi: Police are preparing to launch a campaign on June 10 to seize illegally modified cars, according to a senior official.
The campaign will target car modifications that increase the noise and speed of vehicles in line with its efforts to combat noise pollution, enforce respect for laws and protect the environment and rights of others.
Brigadier Hussain Ahmad Al Harthi, Director of Traffic and Patrols Department at the Abu Dhabi Police, said the police will organise a comprehensive traffic campaign to seize vehicles that violate regulations.
He said vehicles will be impounded for one month and the owner will be fined Dh900.
He added that the campaign will also target vehicles equipped with sound systems that disrupt public peace.
