Don't block traffic while waiting for your order, Sharjah motorists warned

Sharjah - The municipality has intensified inspections across the emirate following complaints received from residents.

The Sharjah Municipality has launched a campaign against motorists who block traffic by stopping their vehicles in the middle of the road to collect their orders from groceries, restaurants or other shops.

In coordination with the police, the municipality has intensified inspections across the emirate following complaints received from residents. The civic body’s inspections will also target shops and restaurants that place plastic cones to reserve parking space for their customers without permission.

Ali Ahmed Abu Gazain, director of the Parking Department at the municipality, said that these are illegal practices that affect the safety of residents. “We have coordinated with the police regarding the motorists who block the road while waiting for their food orders. Many were issued fines for blocking traffic movement.”

He added that the inspectors have warned and fined a number of shops that illegally reserved parking spaces for their customers. “Placing plastic cones in front of shops distorts the general appearance of the city. The municipality takes necessary measures against owners of such shops after repeated warnings.”

Abu Gazain stressed the municipality's keenness to organise the public parking service in the emirate. “The municipality carries out a periodical inspection of vital areas to prevent misuse of the parking, enhance the aesthetic appearance and make space available to residents and visitors at all times. The municipality provides parking reservation service for shops and other establishments to make it easier for customers.”

He pointed out that the municipality provides a parking reservation service for shops, commercial establishments, banks and others, according to a set of standards and requirements. After receiving application from commercial outlets, a team from the Public Parking Department would inspect the site and its suitability to the criteria for parking allocation. If the place meets the requirements, the facility will be granted approval to reserve the parking spaces.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah