Abu Dhabi residents feel paid parking pinch

Abu Dhabi - Residents say the new paid parking zones are eating into their already over-stretched budgets.

Abu Dhabi residents are feeling the pinch as free parking has become a thing of the past in the main island.
The Department of Transport (DoT) has expanded its paid parking system called Mawaqif to cover new areas including Al Bateen, Al Karama and Al Muroor, which previously had plenty of free parking spots.
As per the new regulations introduced by the DoT, all public spaces in Abu Dhabi island are now paid parking zones. The paid zones will help reduce the issue of illegal parking and also ensure smooth traffic flow on the roads, according to the DoT.
But residents say the new paid parking zones are eating into their already over-stretched budgets.
Yasmeen Ahmed, a marketing professional who lives in a villa compound in Muroor, said she has to cough up a few hundred dirhams extra for parking alone. "I am already paying around Dh400 monthly as I take the maximum of Dh15 per day to park my car near my office. Now, I have to further pay Dh800 to take an annual parking permit near my shared villa in Muroor. That is a lot of money for parking," said Ahmed.
Awad Mustafa, an Arab expat living with his family in Al Bateen, said paid parking is an extra burden on his family budget. "I moved to Bateen from the city centre three years ago to avoid paid parking. With the rents, school fees and other expenses, I am running on a shoe-string budget. The new paid parking has affected many families in this neighbourhood," said Mustafa, who works as a translator.
The DoT had urged residents to get annual parking permits before the deadline ended on September 7 midnight. The annual permits cost Dh800 for the first car, and Dh1,200 for the second vehicle. A maximum of two permits are issued per expat residence. Emiratis living in apartments can apply for up to four free residential permits by getting approvals. Motorists violating the rules will be fined. Parking without a ticket or failing to display a ticket or permit will incur a fine of Dh200.
As many as 26,000 new Mawaqif paid parking spots were introduced in Abu Dhabi starting August 18.
But many residents who spoke to Khaleej Times said shortage of parking slots is still a vexing issue. "I am willing to spend on a residential parking permit. But still there is no guarantee that I will get a parking near my house in Muroor," said Ashish K., an Indian expat.
"There are around 16 families living in our compound, and there are dozens of such villas all over this area. The problem is there is hardly enough parking spots for all the residents, which means it is still a struggle to get a parking space," said Ashish.
Joceline George, another resident of the same area, said she is forced to park far away from her villa despite having a parking permit.
"We face the same problem when we have visitors. Earlier, it was easy to have get-togethers at my place because everyone could park for free. Now, people are hesitant to come because it costs them," said George, who works for a trading company.
Paid parking was introduced in Abu Dhabi in 2009 in phases starting with the busiest sectors in the city. Parking spaces were divided into standard and premium - Dh2 per hour for standard parking spaces and Dh3 per hour for premium parking is charged. Motorists can park for a whole day by paying Dh15.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi