Safer Commute: New Paid Parking Near Schools

Paid Parking Around Al Ain Schools: A New System For Safer Roads

On September 23, Q Mobility announced the introduction of a new paid parking system around several schools in Al Ain city. The measure aims to improve traffic order and enhance student safety, especially during morning and afternoon peak times. Under the new system, a total of 4,671 parking spaces were activated in the three main sectors of the area known as the Schools’ Zone, including the densely populated area of Falaj Hazza.

Why Was the New Parking System Needed?

The traffic situation around Al Ain schools has long been a challenge for both parents and school buses. Due to the lack of designated parking spaces, many drivers parked illegally in undesignated areas, which not only slowed traffic but also posed significant safety risks for students arriving at and leaving school.

Poorly parked vehicles obstructed views, increased the risk of accidents, and often caused delays on school bus routes. This was particularly critical during peak times, such as morning drop-offs or afternoon pickups, which caused serious congestion and tension.

How Does the New System Work?

The new system introduced by Q Mobility operates under the Mawaqif program, which is already well known in Abu Dhabi city. Paid parking takes place according to the usual rate: 2 dirhams per hour. This fee level encourages drivers not to leave their vehicles around schools for extended periods, thereby increasing the rotation and availability of parking spaces.

The paid zones are clearly marked, and QR-code or SMS-based payment options are available, similar to systems operating in other UAE cities. The integration is aided by onsite signs and clear pavement markings.

Priority on Children's Safety

Q Mobility emphasized that the main goal of the measure is to improve children's safety. The chaos caused by illegal parking not only complicated traffic but also created dangerous situations for pedestrian students. Through the newly established regulated system, they aim to create a more transparent and safer environment around schools.

Additionally, school buses are better able to approach the institutions, reducing delays and improving the daily operations of educational institutions. Smoother traffic is not only beneficial for children and parents, but also for teachers and school staff.

Background: Who is Q Mobility?

Founded in 2023, Q Mobility is responsible for operating Abu Dhabi's parking and toll systems (Mawaqif and DARB) under the supervision of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). The new Al Ain project is another step by the company towards making urban transportation more efficient and safer.

The long-term goal of the company is to support the sustainable development of UAE cities with smart transportation solutions and digital systems — whether it be parking, tolls, or urban mobility.

What Can We Expect in the Future?

The newly implemented system is likely just the first step towards a more comprehensive traffic safety reform. Based on experiences, paid parking may be introduced in other school zones if the Al Ain model proves successful. Local authorities are open to refining the rules based on parental and community feedback to make the system more flexible.

Some residents support the change, especially those who previously struggled to find parking around schools or were concerned about their children's safety. Others, however, resent the extra costs, particularly if they need to stop at the schools multiple times a day. Therefore, the transitional period will be crucial in shaping the system’s acceptance.

Summary

The new Al Ain paid parking system is a necessary and forward-looking step meant to improve traffic order and protect children. Although changes take time, the long-term goal is to establish safer and more orderly urban traffic in one of UAE's important educational hubs. In the coming months, it will be decided how the system works in practice and to what extent this model can be applied in other cities.

(The article source: Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) release.)