Free parking for ‘electro-cars’, says RTA, urges drivers to switch to green

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 vehicles.

“This initiative complements a previous initiative launched in 2018 designating parking slots in various parts of Dubai to electric vehicles exclusively,” commented Maitha bin Adai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, RTA.

“It contributes to improving the air quality, curbing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainability besides encouraging the public to own this type of vehicles.”

Some 1,803 electric vehicles licenced in Dubai are said to benefit from this initiative. 

“However, the exemption does not apply to any electric vehicle licensed in other Emirates or not registered in Dubai,” she added.

The procedure is simple and straight-cut. Targeted vehicles will be automatically detected and upon entering the number plate of the vehicle, the parking inspector will verify if the vehicle is electric or otherwise, and subject to parking fees or exempt. 

Motorists have to also comply with all public parking regulations and avoid misusing parking slots reserved or designated for specific categories.

“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 affirmed.

[Sourced from Agencies]