Road accidents fall 36% in Hulhumalé, 17% in Malé following police operations

Road accidents in Hulhumalé have fallen by 36%, while Malé has recorded a 17% decline following special traffic enforcement operations launched earlier this month, Maldives Police Service said on Thursday.

The operations were introduced on the instructions of Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed in response to an increase in serious road accidents in the Greater Malé area.

Police launched Operation Reckless Driving in Hulhumalé on 8 October, while the Traffic Police and Road Management Department began separate enforcement operations in Malé.

According to police statistics, the number of reported road accidents declined in both cities during the 20-day period following the start of the operations.

In Hulhumalé, 74 accidents were reported during the operation, compared with 117 during the preceding 20-day period, representing a reduction of approximately 36%.

In Malé, the number of accidents fell from 128 to 106 over the corresponding periods, a decrease of approximately 17%.

Police said the decline was particularly significant in Hulhumalé, where longer and wider roads have contributed to concerns over speeding and reckless driving.

The authority attributed the reduction partly to increased public awareness and greater compliance with traffic regulations.

"The greatest contributors to the success of these operations are members of the public who drive responsibly. Road safety is improving because motorists are following road signs and speed limits and cooperating fully with police at checkpoints," police said.

However, police cautioned that the reduction in accidents represented an encouraging start rather than a permanent solution to road safety concerns.

The authority said further measures were necessary to maintain the improvements and address persistent traffic violations.

In Hulhumalé, police are working with relevant agencies to increase traffic enforcement resources and introduce additional measures in areas where dangerous driving is common.

In Malé, police said continued enforcement was needed to address illegal parking that obstructs traffic on narrow roads, as well as speeding and other traffic violations.

Police also released statistics covering enforcement activities between 8 and 27 October.

During this period, officers inspected 3,151 vehicles, comprising 2,800 motorcycles and 351 four-wheeled vehicles.

Police issued warnings to 808 motorists, including 735 motorcycle riders and 73 drivers of four-wheeled vehicles.

A further 85 motorists were fined for driving in ways that endangered road safety, while 145 vehicles were towed.

Police said the operations would continue alongside efforts to improve traffic management and encourage compliance with road safety regulations.

The authority stressed that sustained cooperation from motorists would be necessary to maintain the reduction in accidents and improve road safety across the Greater Malé area.