The Maldives Police Service has launched a renewed operation against illegal parking on Malé’s main roads, towing dozens of motorcycles as authorities move to address growing complaints about traffic congestion and disruptions to public transport services.
Police said 72 motorcycles parked in violation of traffic regulations were towed on Wednesday alone as part of the enforcement effort.
The operation targets vehicles parked along key roads used by the RTL bus service, including Majeedhee Magu and Ameenee Magu, where parking on both sides of the road has long been prohibited.
Authorities say illegally parked vehicles continue to obstruct bus movements and contribute to traffic bottlenecks despite restrictions being in place for several years.
The issue has become a frequent source of frustration for commuters, particularly those relying on public transportation. Buses operating on the designated routes often face delays when roads are narrowed by vehicles parked along the roadside.
According to police, the latest enforcement action was prompted by an increase in public complaints regarding parking violations and the resulting traffic congestion.
Malé’s major roads were converted into no-parking zones in 2022 ahead of the launch of the RTL bus service. As part of the initiative, parking spaces were removed from sections of Majeedhee Magu and Ameenee Magu to ensure buses could operate efficiently.
At the same time, alternative parking areas were established in Maafannu and Henveiru to accommodate displaced vehicles.
However, despite those measures, parking violations have continued to be reported across both roads. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about motorcycles occupying sidewalks and roadside spaces on Majeedhee Magu, while illegally parked cars have also become increasingly common along sections of Ameenee Magu.
Police said enforcement operations will continue in the coming days and warned that vehicles causing obstructions along bus routes will be removed.
The authority clarified that vehicles parked near mosques during prayer times would not be subject to enforcement action. Outside of those periods, however, illegally parked vehicles will continue to be targeted if they hinder traffic flow or public transportation services.
The crackdown comes as authorities seek to improve mobility within the congested capital, where traffic management remains one of the most pressing urban challenges.
With the number of registered vehicles in Malé continuing to rise, officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of complying with parking regulations to ensure roads remain accessible for buses, emergency services and other motorists.
Police have urged drivers and riders to make use of designated parking areas and avoid leaving vehicles on roads where parking restrictions are clearly in place.
