Dubai's Uptown Motor City residents oppose paid parking plan

Residents of Dubai's Uptown Motor City are protesting against a new paid parking system that will be implemented on September 3, according to property management company Edacom. The controversial plan, a collaboration with parking operator Parkonic, prompted residents to voice concerns, citing a Dh5 per hour fee for parking. Edacom claimed the move was aimed at improving parking management and efficiency, but many residents are skeptical.

An apartment owner living in the community for six years, Pooja Wadhwa, stated that despite a notice on August 4 detailing the "Parkonic-Salik integration" and its September 3 launch, residents were not given enough time to prepare or consult. Parkonic clarified that the new charges apply only to visitor parking, with a 15-minute grace period before the Dh5 per hour fee applies. However, residents' parking, allocated according to title deeds and existing regulations, remains free.

The controversy lies in what happens to spaces beyond the resident's allocation. Each apartment is provided with one or two complimentary spots, but any additional vehicles would incur the hourly fee or a long-term membership fee, to be notified on September 1. Edacom asserted that these fees would keep visitor spaces available for genuine visitors and retail customers while enhancing traffic flow and parking management.

Homeowner Janani Johnson admitted that long-stay and abandoned vehicles had exploited free parking for years. While some residents support better parking management, many are skeptical about paid parking as the solution. They questioned the lack of shared revenue projections and cost-benefit analysis, and suggested modifying the terms to limit charges to 8 am – 10 pm and waive fees on weekends.

Edacom said it would monitor the roll-out and take community feedback into account, aiming to maintain a well-managed, accessible, and secure community while balancing the needs of residents, visitors, and retail customers.