Dubai: If you parked near a mall in Jumeirah and got fined on September 20 at around 2pm, you can get your parking fines cancelled, an official said, citing a technical error on their machine.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has called on motorists who received parking fines on September 20 at around 1.40pm to contest their fines. The announcement was made after Gulf News raised some motorists’ concerns about getting a fine despite paying at the machine.
E.E., a Dubai-based photographer, was surprised to see a parking ticket on his windshield despite paying Dh11 for his parking.
“I parked right in front of Sunset Mall and paid Dh11 for my parking from 8.51am to 1.51pm. I paid extra just in case I had to stay longer. I didn’t read the entire receipt but just placed it on my dashboard. On my return, a parking ticket greeted me,” the Filipino motorist told Gulf News.
E.E. was fined Dh150 for “not paying due fee”. His fine location was 352/021 in Jumeirah.
Upon close examination, E.E. realised that the receipt showed an expiry time of 20-09-2010 or September 20, 2010.
“I noticed I wasn’t the only one who got it. More than a dozen cars got fined as well,” E.E. said.
“I couldn’t believe it. I am always careful as I do not want to get any fines. This, admittedly, is my first time to get a fine and it’s no fault of mine.”
A spokesperson from RTA assured motorists that the issue was resolved immediately.
“The parking machine did have a technical fault and was fixed within an hour. We regret the inconvenience caused,” the spokesperson said.
“People who encountered fines because of this technical problem may contest the fine and we shall cancel the same.”
To raise a fine dispute, motorists can call the RTA call centre at 800-9090.
— With inputs from Faisal Masudi, Staff Reporter
