Sharjah's decision to extend paid parking hours in seven-day zones could result in higher charges, but for many residents, it offers a welcome relief. The move aims to free up parking spaces occupied by non-residents who leave their cars in these areas overnight. Abu Ahmed, a long-time resident, noted that finding a parking spot in his neighborhood has become increasingly difficult due to shop vehicles and commercial cars taking up multiple slots from 10pm, when free parking begins, until morning when charges resume.

"Sometimes, we drive around for 10 to 15 minutes in the evening or over the weekends just to find parking closer to our building," he said. Under the revised schedule for seven-day zones marked by blue signs, Sharjah motorists will need to pay for parking from 8am to midnight starting November 1, according to the municipality. Previously, paid parking was in effect from 8am to 10pm. These 16-hour paid parking zones will operate throughout the week and on public holidays.

"With these extended paid parking hours, I am confident finding a parking spot won’t be as challenging," Ahmed said, adding that the additional fees for two more hours would discourage non-residents from using the blue zone. In addition to residents, many delivery drivers welcomed the introduction of more blue parking zones, as it would make parking easier when delivering goods to various areas.

Mashooq Khan, a delivery worker, said finding parking in some parts of Sharjah in the evening had been difficult. "I often drive around for a long time to find a suitable place to park my car, especially when I have to carry bulky items to deliver. But I’m not always successful because parking spaces are full. This new initiative from Sharjah Municipality will improve my chances of finding parking closer to my delivery locations," Khan said.

The demand for parking has surged in Sharjah, particularly in areas bordering Dubai, as new residents move in. This influx has led private parking lot owners to raise their rates, according to residents. "They know public parking spaces are full, so they are taking advantage of the situation, especially since traffic has increased significantly in Sharjah and Dubai due to the arrival of many new residents," said expat Saleem Noman.

Noman has had to cope with the price hikes as he now relies on private parking. "I used to pay Dh250 monthly to park my car in a private lot. The price has now increased to Dh300. Similarly, another private parking lot in Al Majaz has raised its rate to Dh350 due to its prime location, offering quicker access to the main road. Sometimes, it takes 15 minutes just to reach the main road from other areas," he said. With the new measures introduced by the Sharjah Municipality, Noman believes it will be easier for residents to find parking closer to their homes.

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