The police have announced the resumption of towing operations for vehicles parked illegally on key roads in Male’. This decision comes in response to the escalating issue of unauthorized parking, which has been creating significant challenges for both pedestrians and vehicular traffic, including buses and emergency vehicles.
The affected roads include:
– Boduthakurufaanu Magu
– Majeedhee Magu
– Ameenee Magu
– Sosun Magu
– Orchid Magu
– Ameer Ahmed Magu
This initiative follows a similar campaign launched last March when rampant illegal parking necessitated intervention. Enforcement actions are conducted under the Land Transport Act and the Vehicle Parking Regulation. According to Article 7(c) of the Act, beyond imposing fines on vehicle owners for illegal parking, the Transport Ministry or its designated representatives are authorized to deduct points from the driver’s license of the infringing party. Additionally, police have the authority to remove or relocate vehicles, excluding those categorized as special vehicles.
Article 14(b) of the Vehicle Parking Regulation specifies a penalty of MVR 750 for violations not involving a parking violation sticker due to illegal parking. The government had previously suspended the issuance of these stickers until the completion of parking structures. Nevertheless, illegal parking, particularly on Boduthakurufaanu Magu—a designated no-parking zone—has become increasingly problematic, with large vehicles obstructing both sides of the road and complicating navigation for drivers.
