The Ipoh City Council (MBI) has decided to clamp the vehicles of motorists who have arrears of more than 50 traffic summonses issued by the city council since 2008.

Ipoh mayor Roshidi Hashim said today statistics showed that more than 1,200 were in this category of offenders.

One of two types of clamp would be used, one on the driver's side rearview mirror and the other on a wheel, he told reporters.

Motorists could still drive the vehicle with the mirror clamp, he said, adding that the gadget would be removed after they settled their fines along with an administrative fee of RM50.

Vehicles with the mirror clamp for which the fines were not settled would be detected and have a wheel clamped, he said.

"The wheel clamp will only be removed after the motorist concerned has paid all the fines as well as an administrative fee of RM200," he said.

Three months deadline

Roshidi said the traffic offenders had three months from today to settle their fines before MBI started using the clamps.

He also said that the council would reduce from RM1,000 to RM450 the maximum fine on owners of restaurants and coffee shops who placed tables and chairs on the five-foot way.

"However, the reduction will only be made after they abide by the by-laws pertaining to the so-called outdoor cafe business," he said.

Roshidi said these traders had to apply for the approval of the council to use the five-foot way and other places around their premises to run their business.

- Bernama