Abu Dhabi to get 3,725 more paid parking spaces next year

Abu Dhabi: The paid parking scheme in the capital will be extended to 3,725 spaces located between Hamdan Street and Zayed II Street during the first quarter of next year, a senior official said on Wednesday.

"The pay-to-park system, rolled out in Abu Dhabi in October, is working really well, creating a dramatic improvement in parking. The scheme will be extended to another section located between Hamdan Street and Zayed II Street in Q1 next year," said Najib Al Zarooni, director of parking at the department.

He expected the scheme will fit nicely with residents in the area, giving easier access to around 3,725 parking spaces.

In the first stage, fees were applicable to around 2,500 spaces located between Hamdan Street and Baniyas Street.

"The next stage of the parking programme, dubbed Mawaqif [Arabic for "parking"] will see the Corniche section covered by the scheme in Q2 next year," according to Al Zarouni.

Within two years, paid parking will be applied to around 75,000 parking spaces identified across 43 sectors of the city, including 5,000 spaces in underground car parks, Al Zarouni said.

Classification

However, studies show that during peak times there is a need for more than 100,000 spaces. Between 2005 and 2008, the number of registered vehicles in the emirate increased by an average of 16 per cent annually, and the number of people holding driving licences rose by 10 per cent annually.

According to Al Zarouni, paid parking will be restricted to commercial areas.

Fines — ranging from Dh200 to Dh1,000 — are handed out to drivers who park outside the designated parking spaces, which are indicated by turquoise-and-white or blue-and-black curb markings.

Parking lots are classified as premium or standard spaces. At premium spots, which are on main streets, vehicles can stay up to four hours at a cost of Dh3 per hour. In standard spaces, the cost is Dh2 per hour for a maximum of 24 hours.

Paid parking is enforced between 8am and 9 pm Saturday to Thursday, excluding public holidays.

People who live in the paid parking areas can purchase permits, which allow unlimited parking during the enforcement hours in standard spaces only. Every resident may get two permits, the first of which costs Dh800, while the second will cost Dh1,200.

Motorists can pay for parking via coins or using pre-paid cards purchased at a customer service centre on Hamdan Street. Fines are also paid at the centre.

Proof of residency including a tenancy agreement, an electricity or telephone bill and a copy of the passport and the residence visa are required to secure a resident parking permit.

Figures

75,000 paid parking spaces by 2010

Dh800 cost of first permit for residents

Dh1,200 cost of second permit for residents

Dh1,000 maximum fine for improper parking

Information

Rates for premium spots

Premium spots on main streets — Dh3 per hour, for four hours

Standard spaces - Dh2 per hour for 24-hours maximum

Paid parking is enforced between 8am and 9pm, Saturday to Thursday (excluding public holidays)