DUBAI // New regulations for free parking zones around the city are being planned to ensure residents have somewhere to leave their vehicles overnight.
As part of a scheme being piloted in Mankhoul by the Roads and Transport Authority, a new green R, or reserve, permit will be issued to residents.
The move aims to weed out rental company vehicles that often take up spaces in residential areas.
A Dh200 fine will be imposed on owners of vehicles without the R card occupying non-paid parking overnight zones.
Some residents were confused about the new plan.
“So now we will face fines for what was before a free zone outside our home?” said Poornima Tandon, a Mankhoul resident.
“What happens when we have guests? Earlier they could park outside. If we don’t have enough permits does that mean our guests will be fined if they stay overnight?”
The R card will be issued to owners and tenants depending on the size of their house or flat. Villa owners will be entitled to a maximum of four R permits. For apartment residents, the cards will be linked to the number of rooms, so one permit for a studio apartment and up to three for a three-bed flat.
“These parking cards allow residents of the neighbourhood to exclusively use public parking areas in their districts at night,” said Maitha bin Udai, chief executive of the RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.
If the plan succeeds in Mankhoul, it will be applied in other areas such as Al Badia and Hor Al Anz.
Permits will be registered to the car’s plate and will not have to be displayed.
“Most villas have a lot of internal parking and if somebody needs more than four permits they will have to bring proof that the same owner has more cars,” said Adel Al Marzooqi, RTA’s director of parking. “One place will be kept for visitors outside the villa and that is enough. If people have complaints we will study it. Our goal is not to let commercial vehicles use residential parking.”
Visitor or V cards can be placed on the dashboard and one place per villa is likely to be provided.
Parking meters have been introduced in a phased manner over the past year in several non-paid zones in residential areas across the emirate.
More than 300 residents of The Greens signed a petition last year seeking exemption from paid parking rules in the neighbourhood.
Signs will be put up near residential districts reserving parking for permit holders.
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