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New strategy to tackle Abu Dhabi parking shortage on its way Discuss this article

A new strategy to tackle the shortage of parking in the commercial centre of Abu Dhabi will be rolled out from next month, it has been announced.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DoTsaid that its Abu Dhabi Parking Management Programme will "deliver immediate or short term benefits for drivers, residents, visitors and pedestrians in key city centre locations".

The parking shake-up will include new legislation and guidelines to regulate the use of both public and private parking spaces with rigorous enforcement against offenders.

It will also see the introduction of charges to control parking and to increase parking turn over in high-demand city centre locations while residents' parking schemes will also be started,

The development of parking facilities in identified "hot spots", with new measures to improve traffic flow and increase number of parking spaces wherever possible will also form part of the strategy, as will improving the standard underground parking in the city centre.

The programme has been developed using the latest technology, including the option to pay parking fees via mobile phone, credit card or pre-paid smart card.

Najeeb Al Zarooni, parking director in Abu Dhabi Department of Transport said: "The Department of Transport has developed a concerted and integrated programme to address shortage of parking in busy city centre areas. This programme will be introducing a series of measures, each designed to tackle the problem from a different angle.

"The success of the programme will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and findings used to help shape future traffic and transport policy across Abu Dhabi."

He added that the programme aimed to "discourage violation of parking usage regulations" ans; to "promote a fairer, more transparent system that favours residents and supports local businesses".

Studies are also underway to examine possible sites for the development of public car park buildings in several locations across the city centre in a bid to offer longer-term solutions.

The full strategy to address city-wide public parking is due to be announced in July.