Maldivian authorities have towed 420 illegally parked vehicles from two of the capital’s busiest roads—Majeedhee Magu and Boduthakurufaanu Magu—as part of an ongoing enforcement initiative.
The operation, which began in mid-June, is being carried out by the Maldives Police Service in coordination with relevant municipal and transport authorities. Officials say the campaign is in response to persistent illegal parking and double-sided parking, which have increasingly obstructed vehicle movement and posed risks to pedestrians.
Breakdown of Vehicles Towed
Between June 12 and June 30, the following vehicles were removed from Majeedhee Magu:
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216 motorbikes
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2 cars
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1 motorbike was towed multiple times
From Boduthakurufaanu Magu, enforcement teams towed:
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164 motorbikes
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64 cars
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1 car was towed more than once
Authorities have continued operations into early July, indicating that the crackdown is far from over.
Fines and Penalties for Owners
The towed vehicles are being held for a minimum of 48 hours. To retrieve their vehicles, owners must pay a fine of MVR 750, in addition to clearing any outstanding traffic fines or unpaid annual fees.
Officials stress that these measures are intended not to penalize unnecessarily but to encourage greater discipline on city roads, especially as vehicle numbers in Male’ continue to rise.
New Barriers and Signage to Deter Illegal Parking
To reinforce the enforcement, cones, police tape, and physical barricades have been placed along stretches of Majeedhee Magu and Boduthakurufaanu Magu. These markers are meant to clearly signal no-parking zones, though some motorists continue to ignore them.
Certain sections of Boduthakurufaanu Magu’s tarred roads are now completely off-limits for parking. Similar restrictions have been implemented along Artificial Beach and near King Salman Mosque, where authorities report frequent cases of illegal parking.
Officials Urge Use of Designated Parking Areas
With a sharp rise in double-parking and haphazard vehicle stoppages, authorities are urging all drivers—especially motorcyclists—to use authorized parking areas only. The lack of compliance has not only contributed to congestion but also caused delays for emergency vehicles and service operators.
This latest initiative is part of a broader push to modernize traffic enforcement and ensure a safer, more accessible urban environment in Male’. Authorities are expected to expand the crackdown in the coming weeks if violations continue.
Motorists are advised to stay updated on traffic guidelines and to prioritize responsible parking practices as enforcement intensifies.
