Free afternoon parking to end
sharjah — Sharjah residents, take note: The municipality here will cancel the free parking period during the afternoons in all parts of the emirate effective from April 1. The new paid parking timings will be from 8am to 10pm from Saturday to Thursday.
Salim Al Suwaidi, director of public services department at the Sharjah Municipality, told Khaleej Times that the decision was taken by the Sharjah Municipal Council in response to the “demands of the residents” to prevent exploitation of paid parking zones, especially in shopping areas.
He explained that the municipality was keen to streamline the parking services offered in the emirate. “It was noticed that there was a lack of parking spaces in several areas as motorists parked their cars during the afternoon period for long hours. This affected the businesses of many shops as customers found it difficult to park to go shopping.”
He added that there is a “huge demand” for paid parking services in the emirate and the civic body is striving to meet them.
Attif Al Zarouni, director of public parking, said motorists can now conveniently pay their parking fee via SMS to 5566.
Residents welcome move
Many Sharjah residents have welcomed the move, saying it will ease parking woes in the emirate.
Dr Roua Abd Elalim, an Egyptian, said the decision should have been taken much earlier. “Afternoon hours are the peak time for all customers at government departments and residents often find it difficult to get parking spaces,” she said. “This amendment will help rotate the use of every parking space available instead of being misused by a few people for long hours.”
Echoing the same, Abdullah Alshemeili, an Emirati, said the decision will put an end to traffic congestion in the emirate in general, and at government depart ments in particular. “Visitors and residents of Sharjah will then breathe a sigh of relief and have some parking spaces instead of moving around for nothing.”
Adnan Ukasha, a Jordanian, said he used to complain about lack of parking spaces. “The new timely decision will help secure some parking spaces — at government departments in particular — during peak hours.”
Sulaiman Al Mahi, a Sudanese, wished to see more parking spac- es, but said paid timings should end at 8pm. “Residents of Sharjah shall then have some parking spaces. I am afraid that the new decision will add to the financial burdens of residents.”
Paid timings should end at 8pm. Residents will then have some parking spaces. I am afraid that the new decision will add to the financial burdens of residents.” Sulaiman Al Mahi, Sharjah residents
There was a lack of parking lots as motorists park their cars for long hours. This affected the businesses of many shops as customers found it difficult to park.” Salim Al Suwaidi, Sharjah Municipality
Afternoon hours are the peak time for all customers at government departments and residents often find it difficult to get parking spaces. This amendment will help rotate the use of every parking space.” Roua Abd Elalim, Sharjah resident