Park and Pay: Policy Finally Begins in Abuja, Sensitization Fliers Ready.
TEC News!
The Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory has produced the sensitization fliers on the Abuja ‘Park and Pay’ Policy reintroduced by The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The fliers alleged to be produced by Abuja Municipal Area Council indicates that on the 21st August, 2023, the ‘Park and Pay’ Policy Sensitization campaigns and free trial Operation of the scheme shall begin and the full – scale implementation of the policy shall commence from 1st September, 2023.
This policy requires drivers to pay for parking their vehicles in designated areas in Abuja metropolis.
The park and pay policy was suspended in 2014 by a pronouncement of FCT High Court after a case was instituted by some residents challenging the legitimacy of the policy, stating that it was not backed by law.
The Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Olusade Adesola, who signed an agreement on behalf of FCTA with Concessionaires said the development was part of measures to reduce traffic congestion and restore sanity in the nation’s capital.
NAJEC Limited signed on behalf of the concessionaires in Abuja.
Chairman of NAJEC Nigeria Limited, who also signed the operation on behalf of the Concessionaires, Nebolisa Igboka, said during the signing that the newly reintroduced policy will take off in a way that will dignify and respect the rights of motorists and commuters, but solicited the support and cooperation of the FCT motorists.
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He assured FCT Administration and residents, particularly motorists that the policy will be implemented with human face and good intentions as was the case in the past, as against the fears of motorists that its re- introduction will inflict more hardship on motorists.
Going by the records, he said that when the policy was being implemented years ago, sanity was restored on FCT roads, in addition to reduced cases of car theft.
“As we navigate through the evolving urban landscape, it’s crucial to strike a balance between modernisation and convenience while ensuring the well-being of our community.
Listing the benefits of on-street parking, he said: “First and foremost, it eases the burden on existing public infrastructure, notably, pedestrian walkways and green verges. It reduces congestion and promotes a smoother flow of traffic.
“By providing more parking options, we encourage people to utilize public spaces efficiently, leading to better utilisation of urban areas.”
Besides, he said it would promote local businesses, granting, “easy access to parking spaces near commercial districts increases foot traffic, thus encouraging people to visit shops and restaurants, bolstering the local economy. This, in turn, contributes to the growth and prosperity of our community.”
He suggested that recommending on-street parking should come with responsible planning and management.
“By implementing time limits and zoning regulations, we can prevent abuse and ensure that parking spaces remain available for all residents and visitors.”
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The flier production is a way of informing the residents and road users in the FCT that the policy is indeed commencing as promised and to aid their readiness for compliance and cooperation.
