The Jeddah Municipality is seriously considering imposing a SR300 fine on visitors who throw litter along the corniche, a municipality official told Arab News.

“Garbage is being thrown on the beach rather than in the numerous dustbins in the area,” he said. “Garbage creates a health hazard since it attracts cats and mice, not to mention its aesthetic repulsiveness.”

Authorities are studying how the new fine will be implemented.

Several Corniche visitors have criticized the lack of cleanliness along the waterfront, saying they are put off from going to the area altogether.

Hussein Ahmed, a visitor, said: “The garbage containers look extremely unpleasant. It is unfortunate that some people can’t be civilized enough to pick up after themselves.”

“People should help cleaners since their job is tough and they are not robots.”

Hashim Al-Thaqafi welcomed the municipality’s potential decision, saying the mess along the waterfront does not befit the city’s international status.