Thursday, May 09, 2013
Dubai: Motorists have complained of parking problems on Street 12 in Dubai’s Oud Mehta area where car rental companies have occupied many free slots.
They said much-needed parking for school and church visitors in the area stays occupied by rental cars for extended periods of time, leaving no room for other motorists.
The street runs between Dubai English Speaking School and Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, next to Saint Mary’s Catholic High School.
The small street is adjacent to the busy Oud Mehta Road, home to other schools and a row of national associations and clubs of many countries.
Parking is already tight in the area, with even paid parking lots full during the day.
Street 12 is one of the only free parking options in the area but remains heavily used by car rental companies.
“I have to park my car far away and walk back with my young daughter from school in this hot weather, all because rent-a-car companies have taken up all the good spots,” said Muksan, a woman from India.
Another Indian motorist, Joseph, added: “I drop off my wife to work in the area because she can’t bear the parking problems. I have the same problem when I visit church. It’s mainly because of the rent-a-cars.”
Gulf News spotted about 30 rental cars parked on the street on Thursday afternoon. A few of them had apparently been left for weeks as they were covered in dust.
It is unclear what the rules are regarding free parking being occupied by car rentals for long periods; there was no immediate comment available from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
By Faisal Masudi Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
