Resident-Only Parking for Historic Muharraq Approved

TDT | Manama

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Historic Muharraq residents would get priority over daytime parking outside their homes under a plan unanimously approved by Muharraq Municipal Council during a Thursday sitting that lasted less than 20 minutes.

The proposal, brought by council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar, would create parking cards for Bahrainis living in the old district, where narrow lanes, visitors and long-stay parking by non-residents have left some households struggling for space.

Under the plan, each home would be allowed up to two parking permits. Each card would be tied to a vehicle number plate, home address and identity card number, with a separate identification card issued for every car registered to residents in the area.

Parking spaces would be reserved for residents from 7 am to 9 pm. From 9 pm to 7 am, their use would be governed by rules covering residents and visitors.

Ambulances, vehicles used by people with disabilities and temporary visitor permits would be exempt from the time rules. Visitor permits could be sought through an app or by prior request.

The explanatory note said the aim was to ensure residents had parking near their homes, curb long stays by non-residents, ease traffic inside the old neighbourhoods and allow tourism to continue without placing added strain on households.

The council also agreed to write to the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture regarding sub-addresses for a property in the Seventh Constituency, after members said the matter had caused concern among families in Muharraq.