Police towed vehicles parked illegally along Boduthakurufaanu Magu last night after parking was prohibited in the area.

Parking has been prohibited along the road since the first phase of the Boduthakurufaanu Magu expansion began.

However, the public have raised concerns that the benefits of widening and asphalting the road are being undermined by illegally parked vehicles.

Vehicles carrying goods to vessels are unable to approach the seawall and are forced to stop in the middle of the road because of vehicles parked along the seawall.

Police said they began towing illegally parked vehicles on Thursday night and had towed nine four-wheelers as of last night.

Police said towing operations would continue and urged motorists not to park illegally or leave vehicles parked in prohibited areas.

The new Road Traffic Act, which came into force on Thursday, imposes heavier penalties for illegal parking.

Those who park illegally will be fined MVR500 for each offence, with demerit points also recorded on their driving licence. A fine of MVR1,500 will be imposed for parking in designated prohibited areas, including: