Free-time parking in capital will require permits

Within a couple of weeks areas covered by paid-parking system will be made available exclusively to only residents with permits during free time.

"Within two weeks, a new system will be enforced giving only residents with permits parking rights to park their cars during free time between 9pm and 8am," Khalid Mohammad Hashim, Executive Director of Land Transport Sector at the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, was quoted saying by 'Gulf News'.

The details will be announced later.

Residents in areas such as Khalidiya and Hamdan Street complain that they need to spend at least an hour to find a parking space.

Abdullah Rashid Otaiba, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, said by end-2014 every resident and guest in the capital will easily find a parking space.

"The paid parking scheme will roll out in 43 areas offering 75,000 spaces, of which 35,000 spaces will be covered by the end of this year," Hashim said.

He said efforts are being made to increase Mawaqif parking capacity. Paid parking is enforced from 8am to 9pm, except on Fridays. Individuals who live in an area where there are paid parking spots can apply for permits at Mawaqif customer service centres to park in standard spots for free.

Residents' permit is available to owners or tenants and their family members living with them with a maximum of two permits per household. Annual fee for a resident's permit is Dh800 for the first vehicle, and Dh1,200 for the second.

Verification and processing of resident permits, takes a minimum of three working days.

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