Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — As part of a crackdown on illegal practice of washing cars on the streets, authorities in Makkah have decided to impose a fine of SR1,000 on car owners enjoying the service. The widely prevalent practice in Makkah and elsewhere is blamed for causing environmental harms.

The holy city’s municipal authority plans campaigns to arrest the illegal workers washing cars in parking areas, streets and in front of houses in violation of residency and labor regulations, the deputy head of the Makkah Municipalities Abdullah Bin Khamis Al-Zayadi was quoted by influential Arabic daily Okaz as saying.

“A fine of 1,000 riyals will be imposed on owners of cars washed in these sites,” the official said, the report said.

Al-Zayadi said that the practice results in environmental and visual pollution, damaging the asphalt and wasting water.

“This damages the infrastructure,” the official added. “Besides, this phenomenon leads to proliferation of mosquitos, insects and other harmful pests through the resulting puddles,” he said. “It distorts the aesthetical landscape of the holy capital [Makkah].”

He said there was an urgent need for citizens and residents to cooperate to eliminate this negative phenomenon, and to report any violation through the unified communications number 940.