Meeting report

Problem: traffic congestion in Abu Dhabi

Date of meeting: 7th March 2011
Time of meeting: 16:10
Venue: W007
Group members:
Chair: Abdul-Aziz.
Secretary: Jaber.
Participant: Hedley.
Venue preparation:

Grouping of chairs round tables

Meeting objectives:

The purpose of the meeting is not just to state the various and mostly obvious causes of traffic congestion in Abu Dhabi but to employ critical analysis in an effort to find practical solutions to the problem. Methods of easing congestion in some cities (e.g. bicycle lanes and congestion charges, as in London, or tight restrictions on vehicle usage, plus prohibitive pricing, as in Singapore) would not necessarily work here in Abu Dhabi.

Our focus therefore is not just on listing possible solutions but on highlighting answers which are both practical and viable.


Agenda:
Underground parking.
Paid parking: short term / long term.
Congestion charge / taxes / restrictions.
Public transport.
Increase age of driver (i.e. licences only at a later age than the present system allows).


The chairman Abdul Aziz opened the meeting at 16:32

1. Underground parking.
Jaber said it is a good idea
Hedley worried about the price.
Abdul Aziz said the cost of underground parking should be limited. Hedley asked if new buildings were required to have sufficient parking space. Were the regulations enforced? Jaber said no.

2. Paid parking ( short term & long term )
This is now quite common in Abu Dhabi and it has reduced congestion.
Hedley pointed out that some residents who have bought 1 or 2 permits still can’t find space to park. Abdul Aziz suggested designated areas for short-term parking. People who buy permits should have designated spaces. Hedley suggested and Jaber and Abdul Aziz agreed.

3. Congestion charge /taxes/restrictions.
Hedley asked if a Salik-type system as in Dubai would work in Abu Dhabi. Jaber pointed out it would be more difficult as there is no metro for people to use instead of their cars. The extra workload on the police of enforcing extra restrictions, and the cost + delay of implementing such schemes was mentioned by Jaber + Abdul Aziz.

4. Public transport
Abdul Aziz suggested a new metro. Hedley asked if there was enough space in the town for a metro. Jaber said there is room if construction is carefully planned. He also suggested free parking 08:00-15:00 so all workers could leave their cars at home. Abdul Aziz highlighted the need for a number of stations in all areas.

5. Increased age of driver?
Jaber thought this is a bad idea- many younger drivers are needed in families where older members have died or cannot drive. Abdul Aziz pointed out that 18 year olds need to get to college. If you live in Shahama a car is the only way.
In conclusion we thought that:

1. Underground parking is a good idea. Rules about new buildings having adequate parking must be strictly enforced.

2. Paid parking has made the situation better but more thought is needed, e.g. on permits and designating special times and spaces.

3. We were in favor of more restrictions like the Salik card.

4. We liked the idea of improving public transport, especially by building a metro.