No further parking fee hikes in Dubai

There is no increase in the parking fee in Dubai at present. However, RTA has undertaken a process of unifying tariffs in some areas.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, Maithaa bin Adai, CEO of RTA, said: "There is no increase in tariff of hourly parking from Dh1 to Dh2. We are trying to unify tariff in areas that fall uner the department of parking. There is also no intention to increase the quarterly, half-yearly and annual parking fees. Usually such decisions are taken after a careful and detailed study."

Meanwhile, motorists using SMS parking payment service witnessed a significant increase last year, with about 22 per cent drivers using the service, she said.

Maithaa denied rumours that RTA's increasing list of irregularities is to collect money. "They are to meet customer satisfaction. RTA has introduced several initiatives including Nol cards and prepaid cards to reduce irregularities."

The number of offences recorded last year was significantly lower than that of the previous year, she added.

Usually offences are committed after 9pm such as parking on the sidewalks, blocking traffic flow by double parking, etc. For violations such as these the General Traffic Department is also authorised to fine motorists, she added.

The department regularly conducts studies to create new parking spaces and introduce latest technology to enhance customer service, Maithaa said.

RTA, meanwhile, encourages people to use public transport.

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