The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has towed over 230 illegal parked vehicles in Male', addressing the significant traffic congestion experienced in Male' and Hulhumale' due to this issue.
The initiative aims to resolve household complaints associated with illegal parking and alleviate traffic congestion on the roads. A major focus of the initiative is on towing illegally parked four-wheeled vehicles in areas such as schools and public facilities. MPS has confirmed the towing of 235 vehicles as part of this effort.
The programme peaked on March 12, with 60 vehicles removed from areas surrounding Thaajuddeen school and Hiriya school.
Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan emphasised during a parliamentary session that addressing illegal parking will significantly reduce traffic congestion. He assured that the government is actively working to combat the issue.
As part of efforts, Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, MPS, and Male' City Council have collaborated in removing unused vehicles from Male's roads. More than 280 vehicles have been towed within the first three weeks of the operation.
Temporary suspension of parking stickers in Male’ City last January aimed to facilitate the establishment of additional parking zones. However, numerous complaints have been lodged since then, citing traffic congestion and difficulties in road usage due to vehicles parked on both sides of the roads.