Abandoned Vehicle Problem - Assignment Example

? Abandoned Vehicle Problem Summary The problem of abandoned vehicles has plaguedthe developed countries of Asia and Europe for decades, with analysts and policymakers seeking to formulate appropriate and applicable solutions to combat the issue. While, many nations of the European Union and Asia have been successful in reducing the problem if not eliminating it on a permanent basis, cases of vehicle abandonment have been rising in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This research paper explores statistical information and data to provide an overview of the situation by focusing on the information gathered from various cities across the Kingdom. Proposed recommendations provided in the research focus on the placement of environmental regulations, Environmental Management Systems (EMS), government policies and vehicle recycling systems to garner desired results. Furthermore, the negative effects of abandoned vehicles are also discussed and the environmental and economic sustainability of proposed recommendations is examined to draw appropriate conclusions. Introduction The issue of abandoned vehicles that are often left by their owners on a plethora of public sites has been a cause of major concern for law enforcement agencies and city administrations across the globe. This problem is most prevalent and its environmental, economic and social impact most visible in numerous developed nations. Much of the abandoned vehicles do not carry any sources of identification thereby, making it an impossible task for concerned authorities to trace back their owners. According to a report submitted to the UK parliament by the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (2004: p46) the quantity of automobiles abandoned by their owners in the United Kingdom increased from 1500 to 2000 in period lasting from 2001 to 2003. However, it can be rightfully stated that the existing situation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with regards to the problem under discussion is much worse. As per the statistics presented by Lt. Col. Zaid Al-Hamzi of Jeddah traffic department for 2011, the number of abandoned vehicles taken away from the streets of Jeddah during the year amounted to a staggering 2,836 automobiles (Arabia MSN). The gravity of the situation is defined by assessing the costs of vehicle abandonment that have to be paid for by society, which can be examined in the light of economic and environmental impacts of vehicle abandonment. Joyce and Milner (2005: p139) note that extensive ramifications of this issue include critical concerns regarding the safety of general public and the occurrence of criminal activities. Additionally, the difficulties associated with disposing abandoned vehicles must also be highlighted. These issues involve aspects related to the costs incurred on repair of roads and highways that are damaged due to the presence of abandoned motor vehicles and the expenses borne by administrative and law enforcement authorities in transporting said vehicles to designated locations or junkyards. In order to examine the problem of abandoned vehicles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a comprehensive manner, this research undertakes the assessment of the topic by highlighting its core aspects. Therefore, the succeeding sections of the paper present a statistical overview of the issue in the nation, possibilities of resolving the problem, analysis of vehicle recycling systems, a thorough discussion of the negative effects of abandoned vehicles and the sustainability of proposed recommendations. Moreover, the concluding remarks of the study provide guidelines for directing the course of subsequent researches on the issue. Abandoned Vehicles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – A Statistical Overview As identified in the preceding section of the paper, instances of motor vehicle abandonment are on the rise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with 2,836 vehicles removed by the Jeddah traffic department in 2011 (Arabia MSN). An analysis of this statistic indicates that more than 700 discarded vehicles were transported by Jeddah’s traffic department to assigned areas on a monthly basis (Arabia MSN). Data presented by Gupte (1981) claims that the problem of abandoned vehicles in the city of Jeddah has been a longstanding issue which goes back to the 1980s with as many as 50,000 abandoned cars reportedly removed by the city government in the period between 1980 till 1981. Evidence regarding the existence of this problem is observable by the presence of cars that clog the highways and junkyards of the city. Jeddah Junkyard (Source: www.ugo.cn) As observable from the picture presented above, the massive scale of the junkyard in indicative of the copious quantities of abandoned motor vehicles that are taken away municipal authorities and transported to assigned locations. Upon closer inspection, the dilapidated and derelict state of the vehicles becomes obvious (Arabia MSN) which is a key consequence of their abandonment by owners or possessors. Abandoned car in Khobar (Source: travel.nuraina.com) While, cases of vehicle abandonment are reportedly higher in Jeddah in comparison with other cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it must be stated the problem is not exclusive to certain locations. As presented in the picture above, abandoned motor vehicles can also be found in the neighborhoods, localities, vicinities, public sites and highways of large cities such as Khobar. According to Khan et al. (1987: p729) an analysis of solid waste management processes that are regulated in the Eastern parts of the nation constitute of a high percentage of disposed metals along with substances such as glass and wood. As per the data generated on the basis of wastage loads gathered by concerned personnel an approximate assessment of the quantity and composition of solid waste can be conducted (Khan et al. 1987: p729). The literature presents the information collected from the cities of Dammam, Al-Khobar, Dhahran (Aramco), Rahima and Abqaiq and utilizes the data regarding capacities and loads of waste to assess the nature or composition of solid waste which primarily comprises of metals. This understanding is reflective of the existence of scrap metal waste, steel and iron that is left behind by dilapidated abandoned vehicles. Similarly, a study conducted by Gharaibeh et al. (2011: p103) on the sample location of Al-Ahsa claims that 11.41% of the city’s solid waste comprised of metal which essentially evidences the presence of abandoned vehicles in the area. Mazda RX-7 in junkyard in Briman, Jeddah (Source: www.panoramio.com) As shown in the picture above, the type of automobiles present at the several car junk yards located in Saudi Arabia range from luxurious cars to older models of automobiles. Latest editions of cars can be seen in tremendously damaged condition due to the presence of surplus vehicles whose disposal cannot be controlled by the municipal authorities unless effective steps are taken. Proposed Recommendations for Resolving the Issue Appropriate solutions and recommendations for resolving the issue of abandoned vehicles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can be classified under two categories: imposition of rigorous environmental regulations and relevant governmental policies and initiatives for regulating the disposal of vehicles, should the owner or possessor of an automobile choose to do so. Additionally, policy recommendations, solutions and suggestions with regards to the problem of abandoned vehicles can also be based on the measures undertaken by developed nations that have been successful in tackling the issue thus far. The key aspect of any extensive government policy that is designed for the purposes of addressing the topic under discussion must focus on the principles of recovery, recycling and reuse (Mazzanti and Zoboli 2006: p318). In doing so, the initiatives taken by policymakers should seek assistance from technological advancements and innovations in the field. Mazzanti and Zoboli (2006: p318) note that the challenges and opportunities associated with vehicle disposal are a product of what is known as the ‘production-to-waste chain’. Therefore, any efforts that are initiated to resolve the issue should consider the critical role of this procedure. Manufacturers and producers of automobiles who conduct business in Saudi Arabia must implement sustainable technological and innovative strategies by designing waste and car disposal solutions to tackle the rising problem of vehicle abandonment. Current regulations and policies governing the procedures of car disposal in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are subject to the availability of sufficient paperwork that must be provided by owners who wish to dispose of their automobiles. For example, the procedures practiced in Briman provides such assistance to possessors of vehicles under which disposal of automobiles is possible given the legal documentation is handed over to the authorities (Arabia MSN). However, despite of the placement of these processes the problem does not seem to be deteriorating. This understanding is reflective of the notion that car owners in Saudi Arabia resort to the adoption of unlawful, illegal and unethical in the discarding of their vehicles in order to escape legal procedures and red tape. In accordance with this observation, the regulations proposed in this section of the research paper intend to focus on the environmental aspect of vehicle abandonment. This notion is a consequence of the general observations and realizations which suggest that environmental regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must be modernized in order to tackle the persistent problem. According to Smink (2007: p1136) the establishment of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) has proved to be an effective method of resolving the problems associated with disposal of vehicles. This procedure implies that car-dismantling firms hold the liberty of putting into place environmentally friendly procedures in continuing their processes. For example, in continuing dismantling operations companies pose several environmental hazards due to the lack of adequate facilities and machinery. However, the placement of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) during the course of dismantling processes would ensure that such harmful risks are minimized and the threat to environment is reduced. Additionally, the initiation and establishment of car-dismantling firms that perform on the foundations of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) would ensure that an overall sustainable solution to the problem of motor vehicle abandonment is found. Consequently, the implementation of sustainable and environmentally friendly car-dismantling processes would resolve the issue of car storage in junkyards and other designated locations across the nation due to which significant costs are incurred by the municipal government. Implementation of Vehicle Recycling Systems Vehicle recycling systems are widely operated in the European Union and in the Asian countries of Japan, China and Taiwan. The feasibility, practicality, applicability and development of these procedures is dependent upon prior assessments and examinations that could make the extensive and widespread implementation of vehicle recycling systems in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a reality. Sustainable recycling solutions need to be initiated in accordance with tested and applied procedures. The recycling process is essentially based upon three distinct stages; sorting, shredding and separation (Dalmjin and De Jong 2007: p52). The effective integration of these stages can only be performed once it is acknowledged that the success of one stage is directly dependent upon the other. Similarly, the success of vehicle recycling systems is also dependent upon the extent of cooperation between entities such as traffic departments, municipal governments, administrative authorities, car-dismantling firms, car manufacturers and general public. For instance, the town of Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, England runs an online customer portal which allows local residents to report abandoned vehicles (Milton Keynes Council) that are dealt with governmental authorities accordingly once their disposal by the owner is confirmed. The availability of online data reported by members of the Saudi Arabian population suggests that locals are aware of the worsening problem of abandoned motor vehicles. The initiation of an online or telephonic abandoned vehicle reporting service would assist the wider efforts of vehicle recycling by identifying the maximum number of discarded vehicles. Subsequently, abandoned vehicles can be disposed to designated locations such as junkyards and vehicle dumps by traffic departments. This step of the process would be followed by an inspection from car-dismantling firms that conduct business on the basis of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) to sort out vehicles that are suitable for recycling. Furthermore, the recycling process itself is based on mechanical processing whereby, magnetic and non-magnetic materials and components of the car are separated to allow for the implementation of relevant procedures (Dalmijn and De Jong 2007: p53). The Negative Effects of Abandoned Vehicles The adverse effects of abandoned vehicles can be discussed with regards to the environment, economy and society as a whole. The environmental effects of abandoned vehicles are a ramification of the contaminants produced by vehicle components. A comprehensive reported created by the Environmental Protection Agency identified that automobile parts such as lamps and switches produce mercury, while other components such as battery cable and wheel weights contain lead which is harmful to both the environment and human health. Similarly, air conditioning parts and units emit chlorofluorocarbons that need to be disposed off in the appropriate manner to avoid environmental hazards. Apart from the direct environmental concerns posed by abandoned vehicles, the presence of discarded automobiles ruins the aesthetic appeal of localities and vicinities by projecting a deprived look (Milner and Joyce 2005: p139). Moreover, the presence of a large quantity of abandoned automobiles in specific locations can act as a safe haven for criminals and perpetrators of unlawful activities. The economic costs of abandoned vehicles can be assessed in terms of the expenses that are incurred in disposing and transporting automobiles to junkyards and vehicle dumps. Additionally, other economic costs amount to the charges that are incurred in the form of road repairs and repairs to highways and motorways due to damages caused by these vehicles (Milner and Joyce 2005: p139). According to Pulsifer (2003: p223) the presence of abandoned vehicles on roads and in public sites has severely disrupted construction projects across the kingdom. The existence of discarded vehicles in some sites that have not been removed by concerned authorities has led to the interruption of pipelines, fences and pathways that have to be created in an alternative manner to accommodate the presence of abandoned automobiles (Pulsifer 2003: p223). The Impact of Abandoned Vehicles on the Environment Exposure of iron, steel and metal bodies of abandoned vehicles to air and water leads to the onset of rust which can cause an automobile’s exterior to experience extensive degradation thereby, weakening the overall structure of a car. Therefore, the degradation of a car’s steel and iron structure can be categorized as an adverse environmental effect of abandoned vehicles that are most likely to rust in an outdoor environment with inexistent care. (Source: www.flickr.com) (Source: www.flickr.com) (Source: www.flickr.com) As assessed previously, each of the vehicle components are responsible for producing a possible contaminant that is harmful to the environment. More importantly, the variety of fluids that is present within the cars such as gear oil, brake oil and transmission oil amongst others are responsible for the generation of hydrocarbons, solvents and polyethylene glycol which is harmful to the environment (Environmental Protection Agency). Furthermore, brake shoes and clutches have the potential of emitting a contaminant termed as asbestos (Environmental Protection Agency). According to the National Cancer Institute, exposure to this mineral greatly increases the risks of suffering from various cancers such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and pleural disorders. Therefore, any individual who experiences exposure to asbestos or comes in contact with the mineral under any circumstances is advised to seek immediate medical help to reduce the threats posed by this mineral. Sustainability of Proposed Recommendations The sustainability of suggestions, recommendations and solutions presented in this report must be assessed on the principles of environmental and economic sustainability. The foremost concern that may arise when assessing the viability of vehicle recycling options is that of the financial costs and feasibility of undertaking an extensive project of this magnitude to effectively tackle the problem of abandoned vehicles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To successfully address aforementioned concerns, the recommendations of the paper have focused on incorporating technological advancements and innovations to create effective vehicle recycling systems. Daniels et al. (2004: p28) note technological progress in the field of car manufacturing has led to amalgamation of light-weight and recyclable materials in the process of production to assist recycling procedures. Moreover, these measures have also led savings in fuel costs and an enhancement of worker protection from the possible hazardous consequences involved with production (Daniels et al. 2004: p28). This understanding implies that the modernization of recycling procedures and the implementation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in the practices of car-dismantling firms can lead to the creation of an enhanced level of financial and environmental sustainability with respect to the problem of abandoned vehicles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Conclusion The presence of abandoned vehicles in various localities, vicinities, areas, public sites and highways within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a serious issue that has been a cause of grave concern for municipal authorities for an extensive period of time. The extent of this problem though widespread in much of the Kingdom has been more severe in populated cities such as Jeddah where the existence of car cemeteries, junkyards and vehicle dumps is indicative of the gravity of the situation. It is understood that despite of legal procedures and requirements set by the government for vehicle disposal, the majority of car owners choose to avoid the submission of relevant documentation to authorities in favor of unlawful, illegal and unethical car disposals. This observation is believed to be a consequence of red tape and rigorous legal procedures that do not appeal to car owners. Thus, the recommendations of the paper primarily focus on defining the categories of possible solutions to the problem under discussion. It is stated that the implementation of environmental legislations, appropriate government policies and initiation of extensive vehicle recycling systems across the Kingdom can be of monumental help in resolving the problem of abandoned vehicles. Furthermore, an identification of the negative effects of abandoned vehicles on the environment, economy and on society as a whole has been conducted to highlight the urgency of the situation. It is expected that further research into the matter will focus on advancing the proposed system of vehicle recycling to completely eliminate the issue of abandoned vehicles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. References Abandoned car in Khobar. [online] Available at [Accessed 4 July 2013] Arabia MSN. Abandoned Vehicles on the Rise In Jeddah, KSA. [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 July 2013] Dalmijn, W. L., & De Jong, T. P. R. (2007). The development of vehicle recycling in Europe: sorting, shredding, and separation. JOM, 59(11), 52-56. Daniels, E. J., Carpenter Jr, J. A., Duranceau, C., Fisher, M., Wheeler, C., & Winslow, G. (2004). Sustainable end-of-life vehicle recycling: R&D collaboration between industry and the US DOE. JOM, 56(8), 28-32. Environmental Protection Agency. Developing an Abandoned Vehicle Cleanup Program for Tribal Governments. [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 July 2013] Gharaibeh, E. S., No'man, M. H., & Akash, B. A. (2011). Evaluation of Current Municipal Solid Waste Practice and Management for Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.Int. J. of Sustainable Water and Environmental System, 2(2), 103-110. Gupte, Pranay B. (1981). On Saudi Arabia’s Path to Prosperity: Long Trail of Abandoned Automobiles. [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 July 2013] House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee. (2004). Environmental Crime: Fly-tipping, Fly-posting, Litter, Graffiti and Noise. Authority of the House of Commons. Jeddah Junkyard. [online] Available at [Accessed 4 July 2013] Khan, H. U., Husain, T., & Khan, S. M. (1987). Solid waste management practices in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Environmental Management,11(6), 729-734. Mazda RX-7 in junkyard in Briman, Jeddah. [online] Available at [Accessed 4 July 2013] Mazzanti, M., & Zoboli, R. (2006). Economic instruments and induced innovation: The European policies on end-of-life vehicles. Ecological Economics, 58(2), 318-337 Milner, E., & Joyce, P. (2005). Lessons in Leadership: Meeting the Challenges of Public Service Management. Routledge. Milton Keynes Council. Waste and Recycling. [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 July 2013] National Cancer Institute. Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 July 2013] Pulsifer, K. A. (2003). The Middle East-Life in Saudi Arabia: Customs, Antics, Traditions, Habits, and Lifestyles of the People That Live, Work, and Play There-A Westerner's Perspective. AuthorHouse. Smink, C. K. (2007). Vehicle recycling regulations: lessons from Denmark.Journal of Cleaner Production, 15(11), 1135-1146. Read More