Ministry gives 40-day period to relocate illegally parked cars to Hulhumale’ plot

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has decided to grant a period for illegally parked cars in Male’ City to shift to a Hulhumale’ plot instead of towing them.

During the ministry’s press conference on Thursday, where this was announced, and Minister of Transport Mohamed Ameen also ordered these cars in the capital city to be relocated to Hulhumale’ within 40 days.

The minister further said the vehicles should be relocated by their real owners, and they would not receive any compensation if the vehicles sustain damages while towing.

“With that, we will be implementing a policy enforcing the removal of these vehicles from the parking lots within six months as they cannot be kept there permanently. These plots have been designated for other purposes,” Minister Ameen said.

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan said nine zones have been selected where towing will proceed without interruptions, which includes public venues such as schools, mosques, and other public venues.

Ihusan added that several vehicles registered to different zones and those bearing forged registration plates have already been towed by authorities.

“We are extending a 40-day period for the owners of these vehicles to shift their vehicles to the designated plot and proceed with registering the vehicles within six months,” Ihusan added.

The vehicles parked in restricted areas after the 40-day period will be towed, the minister added but said the ministry is committed to enhancing easier registration for vehicle owners.

Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Male’ City Council along with transport and home ministries, have begun joint efforts to legalize the unregistered and illegally parked vehicles in Greater Male’ area.

transport ministry and Maldives Police Service have been regularly towing and removing illegally parked vehicles under these efforts.

With vehicle parking issues remaining an alarming issue in Male’ area, the ministry earlier reported the area includes close to 80,000 registered vehicles, 4,500 of which are cars.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, during his campaigning, promised to solve parking issues in Male's area.