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Sharjah residents rue new parking charges

SHARJAH — Residents of Sharjah are worried over what they call unaffordable parking fees to be charged as part of the new system of machines coming into operation on December 12.

Mohammed Amin, a resident of Al Majaz 2, while describing the new parking system as being very advanced, urged the municipality to offer discounts on parking charges so that they are affordable to common man.

“The new parking charges will add to our woes and raise the cost of the living in the emirate,” he said.

Khalid Osman, of Abu Shagara area, said: “I am happy with very advanced parking facilities but it’s difficult to pay unaffordable amount for such services.”

Anita, an expatriate living in the emirate, said that the burden on expats has become unbearable with the government charging a lot of money for utilities beside the high cost of rents, food and school fees. “Most of the expats monthly income will not exceed Dh5000. How can they survive with these kinds of charges”.

An official of Sharjah Municipality, however, said that those who cannot afford to buy annual parking card can buy pre-paid card for Dh30 or Dh50 or Dh100. These pre-paid cards can be used at any machine, he added.

Elaborating on the new parking charges, the official said the annual subscription allows a motorist to use any of the paid parking areas without time limits. Parking is free of charge for special needs people, he added.

He said the new machines, which are being installed at a cost of Dh29 million, are being connected with the municipality’s main control room and will report any defects, or defaults, or damage caused to any machine.

The new machines will also allow customers to use their mobile phone to make parking fee payments by dialing a specific number that will allow them to enter the number of parking hours. “The money will be charged by Etisalat in the regular phone bills. The machine, when it gets filled with coins, will automatically inform the collector by sending him an SMS,” he said.

“People will be fined Dh100 if they park their cars without paying, exceed the parking time allowed, or if they exceed the maximum period allowed.

“People will be fined Dh200 for misusing the parking facilities that causes inconvenience or harm to others, while a fine of Dh500 will be imposed for causing damage to the paid parking machine or to the guide panels.’’

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