The Eastern Province mayoralty and Chamber of Commerce have decided to establish a paid parking system in various areas of the cities of Dammam and Al-Khobar as part of the development of the two cities. Initially 400 electronic machines will be located throughout the city centers and downtown market areas. The new parking fee machine system is the first of its kind in the Kingdom and it will be introduced in the Eastern Province on a trial basis. Parking fees will be collected on all working days from 8 A.M. until noon and from 4 P.M. to 10 P.M. Other than at these times and during the weekend, parking in these areas will be free of charge according to authorities. Drivers planning to park within the paid parking zone will have to purchase tickets from parking meters which are located on sidewalks within the zone. Special signboards pointing to the nearest meter will be provided on the streets. Motorists must look for parking signs, meters and information boards within the areas to learn the details of the paid parking system. Furthermore, buses and large vehicles will not be allowed to park in spaces provided for small vehicles. City service buses will make use of special bus stops and will be able to park at these points. In implementation of the paid parking system, more than 200 electronic machines have already been installed on the pavements of streets of the Eastern Province, drawing the interested attention of both pedestrians and motorists.
