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Male' City Council temporarily halts towing old, abandoned vehicles

Male' City Council has temporary halted towing broken and abandoned vehicles in the capital city.

Male' City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said the council stopped the towing works following concerns raised by a citizen at a recent meeting. Mayor Muizzu said the towing operation was temporarily halted due to concerns that it is being conducted without consideration to the drivers.

At the meeting, the citizen expressed concern to the Male' City Council that numerous vehicles had been left without use due to financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. The citizen said that authorities should not assume that all vehicles that have been left without use have been abandoned and towing those vehicles would place drivers into further financial strain.

Male' City Council and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) began towing broken and abandoned vehicles in Male' City on August 2. The council stated it will select vehicles for towing based on a survey it conducted on July 22 27, which shows that 20 vehicles in Galolhu, 43 vehicles in Mahchangolhi, 34 vehicles in Henveiru, and 62 vehicles in Maafannu have been selected for towing.

Broken and abandoned vehicles found by authorities during the operation will be towed and destroyed in accordance with the Rules and Regulation of Land Transportation. The council stated it will not take responsibility for the damages incurred by vehicle owners during the operation.