Vehicle unlawfully carrying passengers stopped and towed

Maldives Police Service (MPS) today stopped and towed a vehicle travelling from Malé to Hulhulé, carrying passengers against road safety regulations, exceeding the allowed capacity.

Police said the vehicle was stopped on its way to Velana International Airport (VIA), and was found to be registered to a B-zone. This means the vehicle is registered to be driven in Haa Alifu atoll, Haa Dhaalu atoll, Laamu atoll, Gaafu Alifu atoll, Gaafu Dhaalu atoll, Fuvahmulah and Addu City.

In order to drive a vehicle in Malé, Villimalé and Hulhumalé area, it must be registered to the A-zone.

However, the vehicle, which was still registered to the B-zone was driven in the Malé area with an A-zone number plate, said police.

Authorities also discovered that the vehicle's annual fee was also pending. As such, necessary action was taken and the vehicle was towed.

The transportation of expatriate construction workers in overcrowded vehicles has become a significant issue in the Malé area recently. These vehicles are often covered with tin or wood, leaving only a small area above for ventilation, which obstructs the view from outside into the condition of the occupants.

A video recently surfaced on social media showing a vehicle in this condition, resulting in many netizens expressing concern.

Since then, police have intercepted two small pick-up trucks in similar conditions. One of these vehicles was impounded, and the drivers of both vehicles had their driving licenses seized.