Paid parking in Dubai’s Al Khail Gate community has been activated, but no fines will be issued to violators till July 1, Khaleej Times can confirm.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) told KT that a “leniency period” of two weeks is given whenever a new parking zone is introduced.
“It will help residents or visitors in the area become aware of the implementation of the parking regulations (as) applicable,” the RTA said in a statement.
Though several residents welcomed the respite, there was confusion whether they needed to pay to park. Parking meters were operational on Tuesday and motorists could be seen shelling out Dh4 per hour for parking in the community lots.
Netizens on social media community groups posted photos of a notice that was displayed at Al Kifaf Center, which said the new parking system had been postponed. KT went to the centre – where special seasonal parking permits are issued for residents – and confirmed that the notice had been posted.
“Parking at Al Khail Gate will begin starting from July 1, 2018,” the notice in Arabic and English reads.
Developer of the community, Dubai Properties, had approached the RTA to regulate the parking slots in the area, due to the high parking occupancy rate that led to insufficient parking spaces for residents and visitors.
The authority then developed the vehicle parking regulation mechanism, that aimed to eliminate negligent parking of vehicles. “The step is in line with the RTA’s strategy to ensure optimal utilisation of resources and stepping up the level of service on offer across Dubai,” the authority had said then.
“It is a solution against the issue of lack of parking spaces, especially at night after the return of the residents. It will encourage people to use public transport available in the area and prevent the exploitation of parking spaces for long durations by non-residents.”
As per the agreement, tenants of one- and two-bedroom apartments can avail a single parking permit, while those in three-bedroom apartments can get two. Any additional permit is subject to the approval and a no objection certificate from Dubai Properties Asset Management based on their evaluation criteria.
Meanwhile, residents of Al Khail Gate expressed joy at seeing empty parking slots at different times of the day and night. “I am surprised to see empty parking slots late in the night. It is a big relief.” Sameena, who has been living in Al Khail Gate for two years, said.
Another resident added that parking woes have ended, “but at a cost”.
Hassan, a resident, said the leniency period has given some time for the residents to get the permits. “However, my permit was activated from June 17. If there is no fine for this period, my money has been wasted for (the two weeks),” he said.
Residents are keeping their fingers crossed to see the impact of the paid parking system in resolving their parking woes.
How much residents need to pay for parking
 Tariff
>Dh4 per hour
>Dh32 is maximum daily fee
Seasonal permits for residents
>Dh2,500 per annum
>Dh1,500 per six months
>Dh1,000 per three months
By Sana Altaf/Dubai khaleejtimes.com
