More Dubai areas to have residential parking system

Dubai: More areas in Dubai are likely to have a residential parking system as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) carries out a study on the feasibility of the project.

RTA introduced a residential parking permit system in Al Mankhool area in June to ensure free parking in the neighbourhood is not exploited by commercial vehicles.

The system requires residents in free parking areas to acquire residential parking permits to park their vehicles overnight outside their homes or on parking spots on the roadside.

Following the successful implementation of phase one of the residential permit scheme in Al Mankhool, RTA is now studying the feasibility of the system in other residential areas, inluding Al Badaa and Hor Al Anz.

Both the areas under study have seen an increasing presence of commercial vehicles, making it exceedingly difficult for residents to find a parking spot at night.

“RTA is studying the introduction of a unique idea aimed at giving residents a solution to the problem they face about cars parked overnight. This idea involves introducing a new type of parking permit (R – class) that helps distinguish between the different types of cars parked in the area. As this type of permit will be issued to people living in these residential areas, it will ensure all other vehicles vacate the area at night,” said Adel Al Marzouqi, Director of Parking at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.

He added that when the system is implemented, clear signboards will be installed in the specified districts to inform motorists that overnight parking is only allowed for those living in the area.

The number of permits issued vary according to the size of the villa or an apartment. A villa is eligible for four permits and a studio or one bedroom apartment will get a single permit. The number of permits available for bigger apartments will depend on the number of bedrooms.

According to Al Marzouqi, the new system will be introduced in different locations that suffer from the same or similar problems, until a solution is found to tackle this growing issue, after which this new system will then be introduced in the remaining affected areas in the emirate.

However, he added that the areas where the new permit system will be implemented have not been finalised as yet.

Under the system, the parking permits can be applied online, through the RTA call centre and RTA mobile app as well as by visiting RTA’s customer service centres.

In Al Mankhool, applications are accepted only from family accommodations, which should be supported by a title deed or an attested tenancy agreement in order to be issued with a residential parking permit.

A fine of Dh200 is issued if a car parked overnight in the area restricted for residents only doesn’t have the permit displayed on its dashboard.

The permits are issued to both Emiratis and expatriates residing in the area, with each house getting an additional V-card for guests.