Free midday parking in Sharjah would soon come to an end as the municipality is putting up new signs with paid parking timings from 8am to 10pm in various areas.
At present, parking is free between 1pm to 5pm, which has been the case for many years, reported Gulf News. However, last November, the Sharjah Municipal Council had reportedly taken a decision to end free midday parking.
Officials had then said the move would prevent motorists from occupying parking spaces for the whole day, which restricts the flow of shoppers and visitors in busy areas, the report said.
Authorities had reportedly said free midday parking would be discontinued after the council’s decision is published in the official gazette, to ensure the public is made aware about the new rules.
However, no specific date was mentioned for the new timings to come into effect. Ultimately, more open parking spaces will be available for shoppers, especially around vital and commercial zones, officials said.
On Thursday, signs could be seen being installed in Maisaloon area on Thursday. A motorist who lives on Jamal Abdul Nasser Street said he also saw the new signs — which are orange instead of the usual yellow — on Al Wahda Street and Buhairah Corniche, said the news portal.
Some of the signs also show Ramadan timings, from 8am to midnight.
Last May, Dubai closed its free midday parking window, enforcing paid parking hours from 8am to 10pm, reported Gulf News.
