Postponed: RTA says it will not issue fines till July 1, though parking meters are activated
Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed to Gulf News that it has extended the grace period for parking in Dubai’s Al Khail Gate community until June 30, Saturday.
Consequently, following the two-week leniency, the paid parking system kicks in and violators will be fined only from July 1, the agency has confirmed to Gulf News on Tuesday
The parking system was originally set to be activated on June 17, Sunday.
On Monday, after giving one day’s exemption during Eid holidays for the activation of paid parking system, the authority activated the orange-coloured meters at the residential community off Al Khail Road in Al Quoz.
Some tenants, who went to apply for their parking permits, said they were told by the RTA staff that the authority would issue fines only from July 1 due to the huge rush of residents applying for permits at the two designated customer happiness centres of RTA, as first reported by Gulf News.
“They have also put up a notice saying activation of Al Khail Gate [paid parking] will begin from July 1, thought what they meant is about fines,” said a resident who also provided a photo of the notice.
In a statement issued to Gulf News on Tuesday, RTA confirmed that the parking machines in the community were already activated.
“However, fines will not be issued until July 1, 2018,” the authority said.
RTA said the authority practices this leniency period of two weeks whenever a new parking zone is introduced and will help residents or visitors in the area become aware of the implementation of the parking regulations applicable.
The authority said it was approached by Dubai Properties, the developer of the community, to regulate the current parking slots available in Al Khail Gate, due to high parking occupancy rate, which was leading to insufficient parking spaces for residents and visitors.
“The step is in line with RTA’s strategy to ensure optimal utilization of resources and stepping up the level of service on offer across Dubai.”
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox