The Capital Municipal Council has issued 24-hour notices to several car owners displaying vehicles for sale in unauthorised “dirt lots” along Shaikh Salman Highway in the Sehla area, according to a statement released by the municipality.
The municipality cited Article 10 of the Cleanliness Law of 2019, which prohibits the use of public streets, squares, and open spaces for the display of vehicles for sale or rent. This law empowers the municipality to issue a 24-hour notice to remove the vehicles, marking them to indicate the start of the notice period and outlining the penalties for non-compliance.
This enforcement action follows numerous complaints from owners of legitimate used car dealerships who have expressed concerns about the increasing prevalence of unauthorised sales displays on public roads throughout the Kingdom.
These dealers argue that such illegal displays not only occupy valuable public spaces but also obstruct parking for customers and visitors to nearby markets, leading to significant financial losses for established businesses.
Dealers have also raised issues related to unfair competition, asserting that these unauthorised sellers may be evading taxes and undermining the integrity of the automotive sales market. The municipality’s decision to take action is aimed at addressing these grievances and ensuring compliance with existing regulations.
In its statement, the municipality emphasised its commitment to maintaining public order and cleanliness in the city. They urged residents to report any similar violations to facilitate prompt action.
This initiative reflects a broader strategy to regulate commercial activities within public spaces, ultimately fostering a fair and competitive marketplace for all dealers and ensuring a pleasant environment for the community.