Jeddah Municipality begins removing sidewalk encroachments and warns violators

In a swift and decisive response to what was reported in the media through Al-Youm newspaper regarding the growing phenomenon of encroachment on sidewalks and their exploitation as private parking spaces, the Jeddah Governorate Municipality announced the launch of an extensive field campaign aimed at monitoring and removing all forms of encroachment on public property, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the urban landscape and raise the quality of life in the city.

Vision context and humanizing cities

These initiatives are not arbitrary; they fall within the framework of the Kingdom's comprehensive national strategy under Vision 2030, specifically the Quality of Life Program, which focuses on the concept of "humanizing cities." This concept aims to make cities pedestrian-friendly rather than solely vehicle-centric. Jeddah, as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and a major tourist destination, is a key focus of urban development projects designed to eliminate visual pollution and restore the aesthetic appeal of this coastal city.

Strict procedures via the compliant platform

The municipality confirmed that it has already begun implementing a comprehensive survey plan for all affected neighborhoods, with sub-municipalities receiving direct instructions to deal immediately with violations. The measures include:

• Monitoring violators and accurately documenting violations.
• The updated municipal penalties and fines regulations will be implemented through the “Mumtali” platform, the unified national platform for monitoring and inspection, to ensure transparency and standardization of procedures.
• Those responsible for the encroachments are obligated to remove the violations and restore the sidewalks to their normal state at their own expense.

Integration of roles with traffic management

Regarding the phenomenon of vehicles parking on sidewalks, the municipality clarified that there is high-level coordination with the Jeddah Traffic Department. Violating vehicles are dealt with according to their security jurisdiction, and vehicles that obstruct pedestrian traffic or damage sidewalk infrastructure are towed. This reflects the integrated government efforts to enforce order and ensure smooth traffic flow.

Expected impact and importance of commitment

This campaign is expected to bring about a qualitative shift in the overall appearance of Jeddah's neighborhoods, not only aesthetically, but also in terms of security and social well-being. Freeing up sidewalks promotes a culture of walking, reduces traffic accidents within residential areas, and provides a safer environment for children and the elderly. The municipality commended the vital role of the media in highlighting these initiatives, emphasizing that community partnership is the cornerstone for achieving a "beautiful future" for the Bride of the Red Sea.