A new system to monitor parking bays using cameras in the capital has been introduced.

The Integrated Transport Center (ITC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, said it has developed a new procedure to regulate and monitor parking bays using cameras in different areas of the emirate.

According to authorities, the first phase of the project will cover Al Mussafah, Mohammed bin Zayed City and Abu Dhabi Island areas where vehicles parking will be monitored and then tickets will be issued electronically for illegal parking.

"This is in part of ITC's continuous efforts to improve and regulate the parking network and maintain the general appearance of Abu Dhabi," said a statement from the ITC.

As per the new rule, parking is free for the first 10 minutes, after which the tickets will be issued. Also during the prayers, the residents will be given a concession - the first 45 minutes after the call of prayer. However, if the vehicles are not parked correctly or intrude into other parking spaces, then they will be fined, said the ITC statement.

Mawaqif services include regulation of parking spaces in Abu Dhabi, dedicated number of parking spaces to special segments in the society like women and the determined ones, emergency and ambulances, civil defence vehicles, issuing electronic permits for residents and employees at the government entities within Mawaqif areas, regulate public parking spaces and offering payment methods, it added.

Mohammed Al Muhairi, deputy general manager of ITC and the director of the traffic and parking team said this new procedure helps traffic officials monitor everything from inside the operations room without venturing into the hot sun.

"Mawaqif is continuously monitoring the application of the system and work on improving it in order to offer the public with best services.," he added.

Source: Khaleej Times