Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has reaffirmed the government's commitment to tackling illegal parking, following concerns raised about increasing traffic congestion. Speaking during a parliamentary session, Minister Ihusaan addressed questions regarding the government's strategy to address the issue, particularly in light of the temporary halt in the issuance of stickers to illegally parked vehicles.
Minister Ihusaan assured parliament members that measures are underway to address illegal parking, with a focus on towing illegally parked and deteriorated vehicles. He noted that addressing illegal parking is crucial to alleviating traffic congestion on the roads, which has become increasingly problematic.
The minister underscored the importance of allocating parking zones and implementing corrective measures to tackle traffic congestion effectively. He highlighted ongoing efforts by the Maldives Police Service (MPS), which has launched a 'special operation' to combat increased traffic congestion. As part of this operation, several vehicles have already been towed, and surveillance is being conducted in green zones, public transport routes, schools, and other key areas.
Minister Ihusaan emphasised that measures will be enforced against individuals who obstruct access to essential facilities such as offices, hospitals, disability centers, mosques, and residential areas through improper parking. By cracking down on illegal parking and implementing stringent measures, the government aims to improve traffic flow and ensure smoother mobility for residents and commuters. The minister's remarks underscore the government's proactive approach to addressing traffic congestion and illegal parking.