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KUWAIT CITY, Nov 1: It seems that the General Traffic Department implemented the decision to confiscate number plates of cars parked wrongly in a haste – without conducting proper studies and consultations, in addition to lack of public awareness campaign, says an investigative report.

Several of those who were affected by the decision on the first day of its implementation argued that the department did not give proper guideline or definition of obstruction of traffic.

They pointed out that when the plate number is withdrawn, the driver is not supposed to move the vehicle because it does not have a plate number which means the vehicle will continue to obstruct the traffic.

Those who gave their opinion on this matter suggested it would have been better if the General Traffic Department constructed more parking areas, in coordination with Kuwait Municipality, for those who end up parking their vehicles in no-parking areas due to the lack of such spaces.

They asserted the violation itself is not clear to achieve the desired goal, which is to maintain the smooth flow of traffic. They said not knowing what to do with your car after the plate number is withdrawn is a clear indication that the law needs more explanation.

A citizen, AbdulAziz Al-Enezi, disclosed his car’s plate number was removed for parking in a no-parking area and the sticker put on the window clearly stated he should not move his car without the plate number, wondering whether he was supposed to look for his plate number first or find a tow truck, but whichever way, the car will still continue to obstruct traffic flow.

Another citizen, Ghazi Al-Batti, stressed the decision was taken hastily and without proper studies. He said everyone knows that most ministerial institutions lack parking spaces to accommodate all those who visit such places. He added a significant number of those whose plate numbers were withdrawn did not know about the law, which means the concerned authority should have started with an awareness campaign to ensure the public understood the law. “As it appears, obstruction of traffic has been left at the discretion of traffic police and there is a huge difference between ‘obstruction of traffic’ and ‘no parking’”, Al-Batti concluded.