Authorities in the Saudi holy city of Mecca have imposed a fine of SR1,000 on washing cars in the streets as part of a crackdown on the illegal practice blamed for causing environmental harms.

The city’s municipal authority plans campaigns to arrest the illegal workers washing cars in parking areas, streets and in front of houses in violation of residency and labour regulations, the deputy head of the Mecca Municipalities Abdullah Bin Khamis Al Zayadi said.

“A fine of 1,000 riyals will be imposed on owners of cars washed in these sites,” the official added, according to Okaz newspaper.

Al Zayadi said that the practice results in environmental and visual pollution, damaging the asphalt and wasting water.

“This damages the infrastructure,” the official added. “Besides, this phenomenon leads to proliferation of mosquitos, insects and other harmful pests through the resulting puddles,” he said. “It distorts the aesthetical landscape of the holy capital [Mecca].”