MAKKAH: A committee from the Passports Department patrols and traffic section in Makkah has decided to impose a fine of SR150 on residents for getting their cars washed on the street. The SR150 fine will be imposed as traffic violation and will be doubled if not paid within a month. The decision came following a proposal by Passports Department patrols. A committee has been formed to carry it out during field tours to put a stop to the washing of cars on streets and the accompanying social problems. The proposal received the support of authorities, led by the governorate in Makkah region. Meanwhile, Col. Abdullah Al-Thubaiti, Director of Makkah Passports Department is following up the work of the committee. Maj. Saleh Nasser Al-Qahtani, Director of the Makkah Passports Department patrols, said the committee began its task three weeks ago. Several car cleaners have been arrested and were issued 50 violation tickets to car owners. Among those arrested were 30 cleaners without residency permits. Al-Qahtani said they were able to get rid of the phenomenon of car washing in a number of Makkah's districts, particularly Al-Khalidia. He added that the arrested car washers were taken to the Deportation Department and whoever runs away, the committee confiscates his tools and implements and destroys them in order to prevent him from using them once again.
