Police resume fining motorists for traffic violations

The police have resumed conducting stop-and-search of vehicles, and fining motorists for traffic violations.

The resumption comes after the police scaled down its traffic operations during the presidential election.

Traffic police are being seen in larger numbers in checkpoints set up across Male’ and Hulhumale’, in recent days.

Checkpoints have been set up near the Villa Petrol Shed, where the traffic flows in to Hulhumale’ via the Sinamale’ Bridge, near the bridge between Phase I and Phase II of Hulhumale’, and in Majeedhee Magu and Boduthakurufaanu Magu in Male’ City.

Traffic police at the checkpoints usually check for driver’s license, as well as traffic violations.

First-time offenders are let off with a warning.

Police spokesperson Yoonus Sobah said the traffic operations weren’t “anything special,” but routine.

“The fines on people who violate the law keep mounting. We aren’t running a special operation, per say,” he said.

He said that the police remain alert due to the presidential election, and that this was why the police were being deployed in larger numbers, to maintain peace and security.

He urged motorists to abide by traffic laws and regulations.

Just four days ahead of the first round of voting in the presidential election, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih waived all outstanding parking fines, as of September 5.