Call for strict measures to prevent illegal selling of second-hand cars in Muscat streets

Muscat – Despite intensified efforts by the government to fight illegal street vending in Muscat and beyond, the capital city is witnessing illegal selling of second-hand cars. 

Muscat Daily took a tour around three busy areas – South Al Hail, North Al Hail and Seeb Souq – and found bylanes lined up with used cars for sale. 

Local residents and car showroom owners disapprove of these “illegal activities” in their neighbourhoods, some calling for strict measures to prevent illegal selling of used cars on streets.  

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Hilal al Hosni, owner of Al Hosni Motors in North Al Hail, said, “Selling used cars on the streets is unfair because we have obtained licences from the responsible authorities and we pay rent for showrooms, electricity and water bills, and employees’ salaries.”

He added that displaying cars on the streets also leads to thefts.  “I urge people to buy used cars from licensed markets such as Sandan City, which has a wide collection of inspected cars.” 

Besides the illegality of selling used cars on the streets, Youssef Jalal, licensed owner of Somahan Used Cars, emphasised the fact that such transactions offer no guarantee to consumers. “I call on those who sell cars on streets to have some agreement with owners of used car showrooms to sell their cars. This could be in exchange of a specific percentage of profit, thus eliminating this phenomenon.”

Seeb resident Saif al Rawahi said, “Unfortunately, this illegal activity has spread to Seeb as well. It is causing a lot of problems, including traffic congestion and random gathering”

He called on the concerned authorities to take strict action to eliminate the practice. 

According to taxi driver Salim al Balushi, this illegal activity is widespread and now witnessed in many parts of the city. “The authorities regularly conduct campaigns to restrict such practices. I advise people to buy cars from official showrooms to help curb this phenomenon.”  

  Muscat Municipality held a meeting recently to review a study of the central automobile market in Oman and viewed a visual presentation on Khazaen Central Car Market in Khazaen Economic City.

The Khazaen Central Car Market project aims to organise the used car markets in Muscat governorate and develop a commercial, industrial and logistics centre that serves the automotive sector, providing consumers access to a wide range of products and services, while creating added value for local and international companies.

Muscat Municipality’s Decision No 55/2017 states that engaging in the unlicensed activity of selling cars on streets can lead to a fine and work suspension until a proper licence is acquired. 

Muscat Municipality calls for strictly adherence to the rules and regulations in this regard.