But there will be a three-week amnesty period for people to adjust…

On Saturday, August 18 a change to the parking laws on Abu Dhabi island will be implemented. The new rules see the installation of paid-for parking metres, marking the end of the free-parking bays currently available to motorists.

The city’s traffic management team, Mawaqif, says that the change is designed to help reduce the number of vehicles parked on pavements and blocking traffic, helping to better organise and manage car parking spaces in the capital.

The new parking laws will principally apply to areas around Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Maqta Bridge, Mussaffah Bridge and the Corniche. Villa residents will also now need a permit to be allowed to park outside their homes – these will run Dhs800 for one vehicle and Dhs1,200 for a second.

Thankfully, it looks like residents will be able to ease into this new world of paid parking as Mawaqif has announced that there will be a three-week amnesty period for people to adjust to the changes.

During this 21-day stint traffic wardens will not be issuing on-the-spot fines, however residents are encouraged to get used to the new system as after the amnesty period, fines will begin to be issued.

Failing to pay for a parking ticket after 10 minutes will incur a Dhs200 fine and parking on a patch of sand will incur a Dhs300 fine.

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