Parking meters installed on all streets in Al Majaz 1

They will become operational from January 4

Sharjah: Paid parking meters in Al Majaz 1 in Sharjah will become operational from January 4, a top official has said

A view of Al Majaz area in Sharjah at night. The whole area will now have paid parking.— KT file photo

Attif Al Zarouni, Director of the Parking Department at the Sharjah Municipality, said the municipality recently installed a number of meters in Al Majaz area hoping to reduce congestion on the roads. “Though a number of people have opposed the idea saying the new paid parking system is an additional financial burden on them, we are trying to find a solution that would help people find parking in less time,” he said.

The majority of people in Sharjah have appreciated the paid parking system as it has contributed a great deal in reducing traffic jams and given more people a chance to find parking, he said.

The parking charges in the area will be Dh2 for one hour, Dh3 for two hours and Dh5 for three hours.

The meters have been installed on all streets of Al Majaz 1. Motorists will have to pay to park in these areas from 8am till 1pm and from 4pm till 9pm, except Fridays and holidays.

The municipality will issue prepaid cards worth Dh30 and Dh50, which can be purchased from the civic body or other specified outlets.

Subscriptions for stipulated periods are also available for motorists. The charge is Dh2,300 for 12 months, Dh1,400 for six months and Dh800 for three months.

The subscription allows a motorist to use any of the paid parking areas without time limits.

Parking is free of charge for special needs people.

“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 and causing 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.”

Motorists can pay parking charges using SMS by sending text message to 5566. The staff of the municipality will distribute leaflets in the area to educate motorists about the importance of using paid parking zones.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com