Dubai: The paid parking system will be extended to more areas in Dubai next year as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) aims to regulate the use of parking spaces in new neighbourhoods.
Dubai has seen a steady expansion of controlled parking zones over the past few years with sections of several areas added each year.
At least half a dozen residential and mixed-use neighbourhoods have seen the expansion of paid parking zones this year, with a similar expansion planned for next year.
“The RTA increases controlled parking based on comprehensive studies of areas according to a strategic master plan. These studies include traffic density, land usage, occupancy rates as well as availability of public transport,” said Maitha Bin Adai, CEO of the RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.
Dubai has 111,026 paid parking slots and the number is likely to increase by 10,000, going by the annual rate increment rate of nine per cent.
“The RTA significantly increased the number of paid parking slots after the creation of new areas and the rate of increase has been around nine per cent. Expansion is planned at a similar rate based on demand and criteria to control parking spaces,” added Maitha.
Residential streets
Sections of Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Hor Al Anz, Al Nahda, Al Qusais as well as a few new areas are likely to be covered under the new expansion plan.
Some of the areas are purely residential but there is an acute shortage of parking in Hor Al Anz. Most of Hor Al Anz, which is a mixture of commercial and residential sections, is already a paid parking zone. Last year some residential streets were added to the paid parking zone, which has caused problems in the remaining sections which are not controlled.
“It would be nice if the RTA covers all of Hor Al Anz in the paid parking system. We have a huge problem here — after some areas were converted into paid parking zones last year people from other sides started parking their vehicles — creating a shortage of space for residents. Pick-up and commercial drivers also create problems as many of them leave their vehicles in the area for days as it is free, this issue should be checked by the RTA promptly,” said Syed Shabbir, a resident of Hor Al Anz West.
The RTA began controlling privately developed areas such as media city following an agreement with the area’s developers and more such agreements are expected to regulate parking spaces in newly developed areas.
“To achieve an integrated Dubai, cooperation between the RTA and private developers might result in the application of best practices in managing transportation and roads for an enhanced urban experience. Activation of parking control in privately developed areas will be based on the developer’s request and needs,” said Maitha.
A total of 3,916 parking meters control the 103 paid parking areas in Dubai, which are divided into 69 ‘A’ zones, 32 ‘B’ zones, an ‘E’ zone and an ‘F’ zone that covers areas in Tecom.
