The Malé City Council is to prohibit the movement of vehicles on the roads of the capital city on Friday evening, the 1st of January 2021.

The city council revealed its decision to prohibit vehicles from operating in Malé City as well as it suburban district Villimalé, from 4pm to 8pm that day.

The four hours have been allocated for pedestrians to roam freely and the council’s decision comes under efforts to bring satisfaction to the troubled citizens, at a time residents of the capital region have been forced to quarantine and isolate themselves at home, with travel between residential islands also restricted, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Ambulances, law enforcement vehicles such as vehicles of security forces, mobiles operated by disabled persons as well as public transport vehicles such as buses are exempt from the restriction.

Action will be taken against those who violate the council's order under the Sections 67 and 68 of the country’s Land Transport Act, revealed the city council.