Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled an initiative for exempting electric vehicles licensed in Dubai from public parking fees for two years, starting from July 1, 2020. The step supports Dubai's Green Mobility Strategy by encouraging the use of this type of vehicle. "This initiative complements a previous initiative launched in 2018 designating parking slots in various parts of Dubai to electric vehicles exclusively. It contributes to improving air quality, curbing carbon emissions, and enhancing sustainability besides encouraging the public to own this type of vehicles. Some 1,803 electric vehicles licensed in Dubai will benefit from this initiative. However, this exemption does not apply to any electric vehicle licensed in other Emirates or not registered in Dubai," commented Maitha bin Adai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, RTA. "Targeted vehicles can be automatically detected. Upon entering the number plate of the vehicle, the parking inspector will verify if the vehicle is electric or otherwise, and accordingly subject to parking fees or exempted, thanks to the online link between RTA's parking and licensing systems. The exemption started on July 1, 2020. Motorists have to comply with all public parking regulations and avoid misusing parking slots reserved or designated for specific categories," she noted. "In line with Dubai's Smart Strategy, owners of electric vehicles need not approach the RTA to obtain the said exemption. Vehicles listed as electric vehicles will be automatically exempted from parking fees and the smart systems in place will ease the monitoring of public parking," Bin Adai said in conclusion. — WAM
