Dubai police seize National Day Parade cars

DUBAI // Police confiscated more than 80 cars this week after drivers took to the emirate's streets in defiance of a ban on National Day parades.

Unofficial car parades, one of the most popular ways Emiratis choose to celebrate National Day, were banned by Dubai Police to prevent what they described as an annual frenzy of reckless driving and dangerous, illegal stunts.

"The road conditions improved by 75 per cent compared with previous years," said Maj Gen Mohammed Saif Al Zaffin, the head of Dubai Police traffic department. "People were adhering to the rules with the exception of some youngsters who took to the streets despite the ban."

Police confiscated 88 vehicles and seven recreational vehicles between Sunday and Monday.

Most of the cars were confiscated because of noise and reckless driving endangering the lives of others. Other offences reported were passengers hanging from windows and playing music loudly.

Dubai number plates topped the list of confiscated vehicles, followed by Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah. Police also confiscated two cars with Saudi Arabian registration.

Last year, Dubai Police fined 1,245 drivers and confiscated about 1,000 vehicles during the two-day holiday.

There were 24 accidents during that holiday, and one death.

wissa@thenational.ae