Abu Dhabi: Paid parking has been implemented across five sectors in Al Ain, the Integrated Transport Centre announced on Sunday.

A total of 121 payment machines have been installed across the sectors, and there are 5,691 parking spaces in these areas, said Mohammad Al Muhairi, deputy general manager at the Centre.

The Centre regulates parking under the Mawaqif project in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and is part of transport and municipal sector regulator, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport.

According to Al Muhairi, there are now 1,376 paid parking bays in Al Ain’s Hai Qesaidah area, and 1,175 spaces in Hai Al Rubainah. Another 1,107 paid parking bays are located in Hai Al Nawase, while there are 1,166 spaces in Hai Al Humaira. Hai Al Salama also has 867 paid parking spots.

The official also clarified that parking is paid between 8am and midnight from Saturday to Thursday at Dh2 per hour for a standard parking bay (marked in turquoise and black).

Motorists can also choose to pay Dh15 for the whole day, or park for up to four hours in a premium parking space, marked in turquoise and white, at a rate of Dh3 per hour.

Meanwhile, motorists can apply for residential parking permits to park free of charge in standard bays near their houses by visiting a Mawaqif Customer Service Centre. Non-residents, on the other hand, cannot use resident parking bays between 9pm and 8am every day.

Resident permits are issued to the property owner or tenant in addition to first-degree relatives, and no more than two permits are allowed per property.

Each permit is charged at Dh800, with Dh1,200 for the second permit. However, the permits are free for Emirati families who live in villas, and Emiratis who live in apartments are eligible for a total of four resident permits.

If a fine is issued, residents can pay them at the Mawaqif Customer Service Centre, or through a number of Web-based portals.

The Centre urged motorists not to park vehicles in prohibited areas or on yellow and grey markings.

In addition, it also prohibited to park in the middle of the road, behind a parked vehicle, at drop off and pick up points, across pedestrian crossings, and in spots that block access points and fire hydrants.