Drivers face jail for parking in emergency vehicle spaces

Drivers who park in spaces reserved for emergency vehicles face a maximum three years in jail, a fine of Dh10,000 or both, the Civil Defence General Directorate has warned. Parking in spaces intended for emergencies is a growing concern for both local authorities and watchmen of buildings.Lt. Gen. Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Interior, recently issued instructions to increase awareness among motorists of the dangers of obstructing the Civil Defence. Motorists can be fined Dh150 for parking in no-parking areas, which include those designated for rescue vehicles. They can also be penalised under the Civil Defence Law No. 3 of 1979 which specifies much higher penalties.

According to Article Four of the law, anyone obstructing Civil Defence rescue efforts will be fined Dh10,000 and may face up to three years in jail. Al Badi issued the instructions after Civil Defence officials complained residents were obstructing their rescue efforts.

The issue was raised by Colonel Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, acting Director-General of the Civil Defence, who said it was very difficult to save lives because of illegally parked vehicles. He also said there had been several incidents in which Civil Defence rescue teams had had difficulty operating because vehicles were in the way. "This kind of attitude shows disregard for Civil Defence laws and it is also a sign of uncivilised behaviour," Al Qubaisi said.

Similar concerns were raised by building watchmen who complained that most residents ignored the "emergency vehicle only" rules. One watchman said, "We are tired of telling people not to park their vehicles in spaces designated for ambulances, fire brigade or other rescue vehicles." He blamed the problem on a lack of parking space. Another watchman said he could do nothing to stop motorists parking their vehicles in the emergency spaces.

"I'm really helpless, they do not listen to us. And when there is an emergency, we find it very difficult to find space for an ambulance or any other rescue vehicle," he said. Watchman P.K. Mohammed said the worst thing is that the majority of those who break the law are educated people and are aware of traffic regulations. "These spaces are occupied most of the time. Thank God no emergency situation has occurred, otherwise it would have been very difficult to save lives."

Parking in these spaces at night is a particular problem because it is difficult to find the owner. A tour of several Abu Dhabi thoroughfares by Gulf News revealed emergency parking spaces occupied by private motorists. Vehicles were also seen illegally parked on pedestrian crossings and sidewalks.

Some drivers blamed the shortage of parking space for their infractions of the law. Nabil El Kari, General Manager of Publicis Graphics, who has been driving here for two years, said, "There is no doubt there is a shortage of parking space throughout the capital. "As a result, people are forced to park in no-parking areas and on sidewalks. It is a day-to-day problem that people face."

El Kari said people frequently find it difficult to park near their residences. "More and more new buildings are coming up, with the population growing in the capital, to make things worse. One of the key solutions to this problem is that construction of new buildings should only be allowed provided they include basement or other parking space." Another driver, Mohammed Musa, noted that people often park in the middle of the road, making it very difficult to enter and exit.

"It is a gross violation of the law. The worst thing is double parking, creating a lot of problems for a driver whose way out is blocked," he said. He agreed there was a parking problem, but added, "That does not mean that we should break the law."