Police chief inaugurates new impound square for vehicles of violating drivers

AMMAN — The Public Security Department (PSD) will start implementing strict measures against reckless drivers, and finding a suitable place to impound their vehicles is important to curb this phenomenon, PSD Director Maj. Gen. Atef Saudi said Wednesday.

Saudi made these remarks during the inauguration ceremony of a 20-dunum impound square in the Swaqa area that can accommodate around 1,000 vehicles, and which was established in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, a PSD statement said.

Saudi reviewed the penalties levied to prevent reckless drivers from committing repeat offences, such as confiscating their cars and driving licences, a JD100 fine, and referring them to the administrative governor.

Other procedures include transferring vehicles to the impound square and charging a towing fee of JD150, as well as booking the vehicle for at least 14 days at a cost of JD1 per day after the 10th day until the driver pays all fines and fees, the PSD director added.

Interior Minister Salameh Hammad said deterrent legal procedures are required to ensure better traffic organisation and punish drivers who jeopardise their lives and others', according to the statement.

The PSD and the ministry established the new impound square to achieve balance between Traffic Law procedures and monitoring and restricting vehicles of drivers who insist on underrating the law.

Public Works Minister Sami Halaseh, Civil Defence Department Director Lt. Gen. Talal Kofahi and Gendarmerie Department Director Brig. Gen. Hussein Hawatmeh also attended the ceremony, which was followed by a visit to Swaqa Correctional and Rehabilitation Centre to check on the conditions of its inmates.