Safety measures in place in Sharjah, no free parking at prime locations on January 1

sharjah — The Sharjah Police have mapped out a plan to ensure public safety during the New Year’s Eve celebrations across the emirate today. Major-General Saif Al Zeri Al Shamsi, Commander-inChief of the Sharjah Police, said traffic patrols would be deployed on main streets and roads and in areas where celebrations would be taking place.

Security would also be heightened in camping areas in the desert, he said. Al Shamsi reminded motorists to watch out for pedestrians as they drive around, especially near spots that would be drawing a lot of revellers.

He added that their operations room, along with all police stations, would be standing by for complaints, incident reports and other security issues that may arise.

The police urged the public to abide by the laws and safety measures and respect traditions as they enjoy the festivities.

Parents should also be mindful of their children and must restrict them from playing with firecrackers or any other items that may harm them, Al Shamsi said.

The Sharjah Police are committed to maintaining peace and order and keep the emirate safe and secure, he said.

Non-free parking areas

Motorists won’t be able to park for free in certain paid parking zones in Sharjah on the first day of the new year, authorities announced on Sunday. All other paid zones will be free to use on January 1, 2019.

The Sharjah Municipality’s department of public parking said parking spaces won’t be free on Al Hosn Street; both sides of the Corniche road; Al Shuwaihean; Qais bin Abi Saas’a street (the bird market) in Jubail; the central market at Al Majaz 1 and around the lake in Al Majaz.

A civic body official advised residents to note the paid parking zones that are not free to use, so as to avoid fines. The official said the municipality was keen to facilitate residents’ parking “at all times and in all places”.