Motorists in Abu Dhabi should brace themselves for a change in the parking system as authorities have planned to introduce a new paid parking system from August 18, 2018. Though the details of the new paid parking system have not been revealed yet, it is confirmed that the move to implement paid parking will apply to all sectors across Abu Dhabi Island.
Abu Dhabi Transport Department has been taking necessary steps to increase the availability of parking spaces for motorists and streamline the flow of traffic in residential and commercial areas. The paid parking system was introduced for the first time in 2009 and since then, authorities have continued to improve this system year after year. Paid parking has been implemented in Abu Dhabi sector by sector and authorities have now planned to standardize paid parking for the entire Abu Dhabi Island.
Important Information about Paid Parking across Abu Dhabi
The new parking system is all set to replace the current parking system that allows motorists to park their vehicles free of cost in the city-controlled free parking bays. Many new sectors in different areas will be included in the new paid parking system and authorities have urged residents of these areas to obtain residential parking permits before the implementation of the new paid parking system. Additionally, authorities have also planned to replace the existing painted markings with new street signs bearing new markings and codes.
The newly inducted areas where parking fees will now be applicable include Al Muroor and Al Bateen amongst others. Authorities are yet to announce the complete list of areas to be included in the new parking system, however, they have confirmed it in an official statement that paid parking will be standardized for entire Abu Dhabi Island. It means that the parking system will remain unchanged in the areas located outside the Abu Dhabi Island such as Shakhbout City and Khalifa City.
Also read: New Service to Help Motorists Find Parking Spaces
Why Should Motorists Obtain a Residential Parking Permit?
It is important for expatriates, tenants and property owners to obtain the residential parking permit to avoid parking fines and other penalties. The permit allows motorists to park their vehicles conveniently and avoid paying the parking fee on a daily basis. Motorists who don’t obtain the residential parking permit will not be allowed to park their vehicle in the parking spaces marked as residential between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
Motorists can be issued a maximum of two parking permits per residence based on the residential area where a specific sector is located. The residential permit costs around AED 800 for the first permit and AED 1,200 for the second. Motorists can also apply for the residential permit twice a year and pay half of the above-mentioned fees at a time. Authorities have also announced that Emiratis who live in villas can park their vehicles near their residence while those living in apartments can apply for up to four free residential permits.
Also read: RTA to Spot Parking Fee Violations with the Help of Artificial Intelligence
How to Apply for Residential Permits?
Motorists need to submit a few important documents to apply for the residential parking permit. These documents include a copy of tenancy contract (attested), land plan, a copy of Emirates ID, vehicle registration copy and the latest bill for water and electricity. All of these documents need to be submitted to the customer service centres of the Transport Department. The application for residential parking permit can be submitted at the Transport Department from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Motorists can also submit their application at the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate, Abu Dhabi City Municipality and Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station during the same timings (7:00 AM to 3:00 PM). Motorists can also apply for the parking permit through the website of Abu Dhabi Transport Department (dot.abudhabi.ae).
Also read: Updated Parking Rules and Fines Announced in Abu Dhabi
Bottom-line
The new parking system will be implemented in Abu Dhabi from August 18, 2018 with an aim to eliminate the parking problems faced by motorists in the emirate. Motorists who have not yet obtained residential parking permit must apply for it before the implementation of the new system to avoid hefty penalties for parking violations.
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