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500 ‘used cars for sale’ are towed away

SHARJAH — More than 500 “used cars for sale” were towed away by Market Control Inspectors of Sharjah Municipality from Abu Shagara and Abu Dang areas in the emirate on Sunday.

These cars belonged to individuals who had pasted their contact numbers on the cars.

Fahad Al Shuhail, head of the Directorate of Consumer Protection at Sharjah Municipality, said the municipality action followed a spate of complaints by residents of the areas.

The Market Control Section has launched a campaign as part of which it’s towing away cars found blocking roads, building entrances, pavements and private parking space in Abu Shagara and Abu Dang areas.

“None of the cars that were towed away belonged to car dealers. They belong to individuals who are probably trading in used cars without licences,” said Al Shuhail.

Khaled Al Jabri, head of the Market Control Section, said that Sharjah Municipality prohibits individuals from selling used cars on streets.

“The municipality banned individuals from selling their cars on pavements after receiving a lot of complaints from residents over lack of parking space in Abu Shagara and Abu Dang areas.

“Individuals must not park their cars on pavements. We urge them to sell their cars through showrooms or newspaper advertisements only,” he said.

Al Jabri said that the Consumer Protection Department at Sharjah Municipality had earlier issued an order, prohibiting individuals from selling used cars in Abu Shagara and Abu Dang.

The order came as part of the efforts of the authorities to provide more parking space to residents in the areas.

“The showrooms too have been informed to park their cars in designated parking space only. If individuals are found selling cars, their cars will be towed away and a Dh500 fine will be slapped on them,” he warned.

Residents of Abu Shagara have welcomed the action taken by the municipality.

Suzan Al Tayeb, one of the residents who had lodged complaint to the civic authorities about lack of parking space in his area, said: “We are tired of hunting for space for our cars. The space earmarked by the municipality for residents have been usurped by used car dealers for displaying their cars.”

Zainab, another resident of Abu Shagara, said, “I hope the municipality completes its used car market project in Al Ruqqah Al Hamra soon. We’ll have peace of mind only then.”

Meanwhile, Sharjah Municipality officials have stated that residents will soon be able to park their cars in multi-storey car parks coming up in Al Qassimyah, Al Majaz and Abu Shagara areas.

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