The Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi (DoT) today announced details of its Public Parking Management Strategy – a multi-phased approach to reducing congestion in Abu Dhabi.
Designed to address the problems associated with a lack of access to parking spaces, the strategy provides short- and immediate-term solutions including: increasing the numbers of parking spaces in key identified areas; the introduction of paid parking; enforcement of time limits to increase vehicle turn-over and prevent the misuse of limited street level spaces; residents’ parking schemes; and park-and-ride options in identified ‘hot-spots’. These measures will be phased in from Q4 this year.
The DoT also announced tariffs for the first time today – with a charge for premium parking on main streets set at AED3 per hour and an AED2 per hour charge in other locations. Residents’ permits will cost AED800 per year for the first car, and AED1200 per year for a second car, if applicable.
Eng. Najib Al Zarooni, Director of Parking, Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi, said:
“This programme is about introducing the first, short term measures in a much longer term strategy that is a critical part of Government and DoT plans to ensure that Abu Dhabi becomes a greener, more accessible, less congested capital.
“This is just the first step, but we believe these measures will result in visible improvements by year end, with less congestion, fewer illegally parked vehicles, and a better understanding among car owners of the need to park correctly to support the free flow of traffic through our Emirate. It is a fairer, more transparent system that benefits residents and supports local businesses.”
For the first time in the capital, a cross-government agency Parking Committee has been formed to ensure an integrated and streamlined approach to tackling issues associated with parking. Members include senior representatives from the Urban Planning Council, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police and the Department of Transport.
As part of the strategy for developing long term solutions, studies are also underway to examine sites for the development of public car park buildings in several locations across Abu Dhabi. Two of these sites were announced today with the Parking Committee working on final plans for facilities in these areas. In coordination with other strategic partners, the DoT is also examining street level parking enhancements including quick built temporary steel structures and enhanced road surface and layouts which create additional spaces within areas.
Problems associated with parking in city centre areas have increased as Abu Dhabi’s population expands, and as the number of drivers and car-owners has risen. Between 2005 and 2008, the number of registered vehicles in the Emirate increased by an average of 16 per cent per annum, and the number of people holding licenses rose by 10 per cent per annum, over the same period.
The Public Parking Management Strategy has been developed using the very latest sector technology, and in future will include the option to pay parking fees via mobile phone or smart card. The smart cards will also be capable of integration with other payment and ticketing systems across the public transport network in future. Residents will also benefit from an advanced electronic parking system, while the control and management of the entire programme is to be integrated into a central computer system which monitor the performance across every project element.
Background Information
The Department of Transport (“DoT”) was established pursuant to Law No. 4 of year 2006 to cover the entire value chain and ensure fully coordinated planning in all aspects of transport policy and development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in cooperation with all relevant local, regional and international stakeholders and partners.
World leading laparoscopic device unveiled at annual obesity event
Surgical Innovations - the original inventor of the Endoflex™ range of laparoscopic instruments - will be unveiling their latest flexible laparoscopic device Logi™Flex at the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO); the largest obesity event in the world.
At the event, the designer and manufacturer of innovative surgical devices will launch their pioneering technology for bariatric surgeons, which offers better rigidity coupled with an ergonomic handle to aid delicate surgical procedures.
Specially developed in conjunction with laparoscopic surgeons who understand the needs of clinicians and patients, the Logi™Flex is made from both single use and reusable components (resposable™) which enhances performance and cost effectiveness.
Its sterile insert provides a solution to gastric banding, with the flexible tip featuring a ‘cut down’ profile allowing for easy insertion of the instrument through the retro gastric tunnel. It also incorporates a unique slot design which provides a positive grip on the suture allowing the band to be pulled into position with the minimum of inconvenience.
Graham Bowland, Managing Director of Surgical Innovations said: “Logi™Flex’s design is based on our highly successful Endoflex, which is still the world’s leading laparoscopic device for liver retraction.
“Our flex technology has been utilised by many other companies, which is a testament to our innovative capabilities. Now we are delighted to announce our development of a more advanced flex technology product and are looking forward to unveiling it at this prestigious event.”
Another unique feature of Logi™Flex is the availability of individual patented tip options; providing a bespsoke solution to each and every manufacturer of gastric bands.
Formed in 1992 by Professor M J McMahon, the UK’s foremost laparoscopic surgeon, Surgical Innovations was the world’s first company to develop flexible but ultimately rigid laparoscopic devices. Since inception they have gained a worldwide reputation for innovative development of products for use in laparoscopic surgery.
The International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) will take place from 26 – 29 August at the Palais des Congrès in Paris.
Throughout the event Surgical Innovations will be located on stand 16 in hall Havane. To arrange an appointment contact Liz Maskell on +44 (0)113 220 0026 or email Liz.Maskell@surginno.co.uk
For more information about any of the Surgical Innovations range of products visit www.surginno.com
