Sharjah parking plan will ease traffic flow

New parking zones run by the government will open up 28,000 spaces

Published: Tue 20 Sep 2016, 8:39 PM

Sharjah's plan to increase paid parking zones from 32 to 4,000 will ensure motorists park responsibly on congested roads, while bringing much needed revenue to improve traffic infrastructure in the emirate. So, no more long hours of parking your vehicle without payment. Additional paid parking areas help regulate the flow of traffic in the rapidly expanding metropolis. Motorists can park in specific zones only for a limited period to complete their tasks. The outskirts of Sharjah city and interior areas of the emirate will largely be unaffacted by this project. While the emirate's authorities should be commended for expanding this project, it is also important that all new buildings in the city have adequate parking spaces for residents' vehicles. Most older buildings in the city have few parking spaces which forces motorists to park along the streets, in sandy lots and construction areas, often haphazhardly. Some even park on sidewalks.
This affects the flow of traffic in residential areas particularly during rush hours in the morning and evening. Some private contractors were roped in to extend paid parking spaces, but the steep fees levied by them forced many motorists to drive around looking for free parking spaces, sometimes late in the evening. The government is aware of the situation and has asked 17 private players who run these lots to pack up. The new parking zones run by the government will open up 28,000 spaces for the city's vehicles to park safely. New parking metres have already come up in busy areas in the heart of the city. Payment can also be done via SMS and online. This electronic shift makes the process-hassle free for motorists and visitors who won't have to drive around looking for parking slots on busy working days. Tourism is expected to get a boost with this project. Paid parking is a small price to pay for better living and commuting in the growing city.
Also read: Sharjah to have 4,000 paid parking zones