You don’t have to delve too far back into Abu Dhabi’s past to recall the chaos that preceded – indeed, precipitated – controlled parking measures. Many motorists parked their cars wherever they could pull up, blocking roads and property entrances. The authorities dealt with this by requiring certain businesses – including car dealerships and garages – to move off Abu Dhabi island, and introduced paid parking and zones enforced by Mawaqif. Nobody enjoys paid parking, or paying parking fines, but everybody should appreciate that it is now usually easier to find somewhere to park.
As The National reported yesterday, residents in one busy neighbourhood in Sharjah are complaining that vehicles owned by car-rental companies are monopolising unmetered spaces along their streets. Parking inspectors can only impound vehicles if they are left for days on end. The only solution for Sharjah is to follow the lead of the capital and Dubai by extending paid-parking zones and relocating businesses that attract a lot of vehicles.
The days of the parking free-for-all are well and truly over.