Al Ain residents getting used to paid parking system
abu dhabi — The introduction of the paid parking scheme in Al Ain has drawn mixed reactions from residents. Some motorists have welcomed the move, while others said they are worried about paying for parking spaces as it’s a new thing to them.
The Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi had announced late last month that it would implement Mawaqif parking services in Al Ain from August.
“The move is part of the centre’s commitment to provide world-class solutions to effectively manage parking requirements in the Abu Dhabi, and to resolve the parking problem in Al Ain due to the growing population and significant increase in the number of registered vehicles,” said authorities.
Khaleej Times spoke with some residents in Al Ain about the new paid parking system.
Ahmed Mohammed, a Syrian expat and a resident of Al Ain city praised the move as an excellent one.
“I am happy with the paid parking system. I stay in the heart of the city and I am tired of looking for parking spaces especially when I return home from work during the evening.”
Indian expat Rajeev John, 36, said the paid parking system would help solve the parking problems and reduce illegal parking especially in non-designated areas.
“Some people have been parking anyhow on the streets, but with the
I haven’t seen the marked paid parking spaces or the pay machines in our residential area.” Siraje Kasi, Ugandan expat
Some people have been parking anyhow on the streets, but with the new parking system, drivers would have to observe the law to avoid being fined.” Rajeev John, Indian expat
I am happy...I stay in the heart of the city and I am tired of looking for parking spaces especially when I return home from work .” Ahmed Mohammed, Syrian expat
new parking system, drivers would have to observe the law to avoid being fined.”
For Sudaneese expat, Anwar Mohammed, the paid parking means an increase on his daily expenditure. “I stay and work from the city centre and I have been used to the free parking spaces,” said Mohammed.
“But with the introduction of the paid parking in the city, it means I will have to pay both for the parking space at work and at home which will increase my daily expenditure.”
Another resident, Siraje Kasi, a Ugandan expat also staying in Al Ain, said the paid parking hasn’t been introduced in their area yet.
“I haven’t seen the marked paid parking spaces or the pay machines in our residential area,” said Kasi.
“But if introduced here, I believe it would take time for residents to get familiar with it because they have been used to the free parking spaces.”
Mohammed Hamad Al Muhairi, deputy general manager of the Integrated Transport Centre and head of the Traffic and Parking Team, said in a statement that the Mawaqif paid parking scheme would help ease the shortage of parking spaces in some of Al Ain’s congested areas.
It would also help stop the misuse of limited parking spots and improve the overall aesthetic appearance of Al Ain city, he added.
The officials said in last month that at present, 121 parking machines have been installed in certain Al Ain districts for phase one of the project.
The paid parking scheme has been introduced in the city centre’s districts of Al Qasedah, Al Rabenah, Al Nawas, Al Hamirah and Al Salamah.
Officials said they are also carrying out public awareness by distributing thousands of leaflets to encourage drivers not to park illegally and to abide by the law in order to avoid getting fines.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com