Cameras and Notifications to Improve Vehicle Impoundment Process
Following a directive from the municipality’s senior management to provide a comprehensive report on the vehicle impoundment centers in the Amghara and Mina Abdullah areas, the relevant department is working on streamlining operations. Proposed improvements include:
- Equipping towing and transport vehicles with cameras to document the lifting process.
- Activating instant notifications via the “Sahl” application to inform vehicle owners.
- Simplifying administrative procedures.
- Facilitating the return of impounded vehicles to their owners.
Municipality sources revealed to Al-Rai that Deputy Director General for Services, Mishaal Al-Azmi, is addressing numerous complaints about the current impoundment system. Issues include outdated vehicle lifting procedures using small-sized tow trucks that are not compatible with all vehicle types, often resulting in damage.Stay updated on Kuwait’s latest news and job openings by following our WhatsApp channel!https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCkXo25q08jnKrRwo27
Current Process and Challenges
The sources explained that road occupancy departments currently place warning stickers on vehicles and simply photograph them as proof of violation. This manual process is inconsistent with the ongoing digital transformation in government services.
To release an impounded vehicle, owners must:
- Visit the governorate’s Roads and Transport Department.
- Go to the impoundment site to pay fees and violations.
- Submit a release report at the site.
This lengthy and complicated process burdens both citizens and expatriates. In some cases, vehicles are lifted while their owners are abroad, leaving them with unexpected fines and transportation costs.
Additionally, vehicles in impoundment often have completely deflated tires, requiring owners to rent flatbed trucks to retrieve them. Sources stressed the urgent need to install surveillance cameras at impoundment sites, which are currently only fenced areas.
Proposed Solutions Under Review:
- Install cameras on towing vehicles to record the lifting and transportation process.
- Send real-time notifications through the “Sahl” app when a vehicle is impounded.
- Centralize all release procedures in one department to reduce delays.
- Offer vehicle return services to a location specified by the owner for an additional fee.
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