ABU DHABI, 13th February, 2017 (WAM) -- The Integrated Transport Centre, ITC, of the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport, DMAT, in Abu Dhabi has announced that some parking sectors in the capital have been merged as part of Mawaqif's efforts to provide the community with innovative solutions to overcome parking issues and maintain safety on the roads. As a result of the merges, permits holders will now be able to park their vehicles in some other sectors.

"This step is part of Mawaqif’s strategy to come up with sustainable solutions to parking space shortages by increasing their number," said Mohammed Hamad Al Muhairi, Director of Mawaqif. He explained, "Adding more parking spaces will help the public to find parking spaces and prevent random parking that causes a hindrance to traffic."

Sectors E16-1 and E16-2 were merged together. Sectors E18-1 E18-2 and E18-3 were merged into E18. Sector E19 was merged with W14-2, Sector W12 was merged with W10, and Sector E1 was merged with E2. The merges will allow holders of any permit for the aforementioned sectors to use any of the available parking spaces within those merged blocks.

Sector W7-1 permit holders can use spaces in W7-2, but not the other way round. Permit holders of sector E9-2 are allowed to use parking spaces in E7 and E9-1 but not the other way round. Permit holders for sector E20-2 are allowed to use parking spaces in W15-2, but not the other way round.

"Merging the sectors aims to upgrade the transportation infrastructure by dedicating effective and integrated solutions to the public. This way, finding a parking space is easier," said Al Muhairi.

He also added the reminder that it remains illegal to park on yellow and grey markings, in the middle of the road, double-parking, parking in drop-off and pick-up points, on or near pedestrian crossings, access points and fire hydrants. He added that inspectors will be patrolling the revised sectors to ensure that drivers are following the regulations.

WAM/Rola/Moran