JEDDAH — The municipality could earn SR207 million a year by setting up 8,000 paid parking spaces, Al-Madinah reported.
Jeddah Municipality's official spokesman Mohammad Al-Bugamy said the creation of 8,000 parking spaces is only the first phase of the project.
“The first phase covers central Jeddah. We have set up 1,199 paid parking in Al-Balad and 658 parking spaces under King Fahd Road Bridge. Not all of the parking spaces are in operation. We still have to install the meter and signs in many of them,” said Al-Bugamy.
He also said the municipality plans to set up 6,000 more parking spaces in Al-Balad and near Makkah's gate.
“Currently only 492 parking spaces are open under King Fahd Road Bridge. We have installed surveillance camera in the entire area and our employees at the operation center are monitoring the spaces round the clock,” said Al-Bugamy.
He added the project was beneficial in more ways than just financially. “The parking spaces will charge SR3 per hour. We could earn up to SR24,000 an hour, SR576,000 a day and SR17.2 million a month. By setting up parking spaces, we were able to organize the road and finally have a wide space for pedestrians to walk undisturbed without them being scared for their safety. The money earned from the parking fares can help us renovate the pavements,” said Al-Bugamy.
He also said now the pavements are even suitable for handicapped citizens to be on. “The project also resulted in more parking spaces. The project has regulated parking as no illegal parking is allowed. Parking on pavements will no longer be tolerated. Cleaner roads will beautify the city and highlight its architecture. The project also helped in finding parking spaces in shopping centers,” said Al-Bugamy.
He added regulated and organized parking allows emergency vehicles and fire tenders to easily maneuver through traffic in times of crises and emergencies.
