Thursday, Oct 14, 2010
Gulf News
Parking programme makes people pay but doesn’t guarantee them a spot for their car
Parking remains a main problem in the capital
Abu Dhabi Vehicle owners in Abu Dhabi still complain of a parking shortage despite the launch of Mawaqif last year, a management programme designed to ease the parking problem by applying fees for parking lots.
Many believe the campaign failed to meet its goal.
“Paying Dh800 per year to get a parking permit will not help me find a parking spot when I get back from work to Hamdan Street where I live,” Ahmad, a salesman, said.
“I still have to spend nearly half an hour to find a parking spot almost daily; the only difference is that now I do it Dh800 per year poorer” he added.
Spillover parking problems in the city have become a source of dissatisfaction and daily disappointment.
“Parking in Abu Dhabi has become a nightmare,” Mohammad M. a senior manager, said.
“Parking spaces are scarce even though paid parking is now common all over the capital,” Rima, in the administration sector, said.
“If paying for a spot solves the problem, as Mawaqif is claiming, then assigning parking spots can be a fair approach. It’s unreasonable to pay and get nothing in return,” she added.
Harassment
The impact of this issue is far greater than simply not finding a parking spot. It impacts people’s professional and social lives.
According to May, who works in the media industry, “going out has become a stressful experience especially if you are in a hurry.”
“I hate to go out; wherever I go it’s hard to find a parking [spot],” Lina, a teacher, said.
The problem is worse when one returns from visiting friends late at night.
“I live in Khalidiya and I often have to park on the Corniche and walk about six to seven long blocks to get home,” said G.M., a businesswoman.
“Many times I was harassed as I passed through the parking lot. Now, I have to pay money to get the same benefits,” she added.
It seems that even registering with Mawaqif proved to be an unpleasant experience, G.G., a senior consultant, said. Despite the many attempts to contact Mawaqif, they refrained from commenting.
Paying Dh800 per year to get a parking permit will not help me find a parking spot when I get back from work... I still have to spend nearly half an hour to find a spot almost daily.”
Ahmad
Hamdan Street resident
By Iman Sherif ?Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.
