Check Sharjah Transport fines for offences online

Check Sharjah Transport fines for offences online Ahmed Shaaban (ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com) / 19 June 2013 Motorists and car rental companies can now check the fines imposed on them for flouting public transport rules in the emirate online at the Sharjah Transport website. They include fines issued against motorists operating their vehicles as illegal taxis and they can be accessed at www.stc.gov.ae . Head of the Violations Section at Sharjah Transport Rashid Al Nuaimi said a link of the new service has been added on the corporation’s portal so that motorists implicated on charges of plying illegal taxis may know the exact fines imposed on them. “Also, those flouting licensure rules and transport conditions may do the same as some such violations may take some time to be listed in the unified traffic system.” Elaborating, Al Nuaimi said one may enquire about the violation online in three ways. “A motorist may enter the licence number, registration card number or traffic code of the vehicle owner.” He added that the service also helps car rental companies to check the type of fine and amount incurred against the lessor. “The online system shows both paid and unpaid fines to curb manipulation. In case of being fined, the errant motorist should approach the new headquarters of Sharjah Transport in Al Ezra area, close to Ajman, to settle their dues.” Speaking to Khaleej Times, Al Nuaimi said a significant drop has been noticed in the illegal taxis’ violations registered in the emirate this year so far. “Our inspectors have issued around 900 tickets from January to May 2013 as compared to the 1,081 tickets that were issued over the same period in 2012, 1,900 in the first half of 2011, and 1,294 during the same period in 2010.” Al Nuaimi warned that if an illegal taxi driver fails to stop when ordered by any of Sharjah Transport inspectors, a hefty fine of Dh10,000 is imposed even if it is the first time he committed the violation. “The driver will have to pay only Dh5,000 if he comes to the corporation and presents his licence.” While such illegal transport is not limited to certain nationalities, a fine of Dh1,000 is also slapped if the driver forgets or fails to present his driving licence in person at the corporation. “Most Sharjah Transport inspectors are deployed in certain areas known for such illegal loading. Topping the list are Al Rumaitha area opposite the new Sharjah Traffic department, Al Qabael Shopping Centre, National Paints roundabout, and Al Wihda road.”  Al Nuaimi indicated that the violation is not only limited to private cars but also include all unlicenced buses and minibuses.  “Our quality controllers check the bus permit, if available, and make sure that the names of the passengers therein are similar to those listed in the official permit issued by the corporation.” Al Nuaimi warned the public that illegal taxis pose a risk to their safety and security. “They may fall prey to abduction, robbery, physical and sexual abuse, fraud and harassment.” Seeking cooperation, he urged the public to keep in touch with Sharjah Transport Office round-the-clock at 600525252, to report such violations, and submit their comments, complaints and suggestions.   Taylor Scott International