The Ministry of Transport and Communications is working on a pilot project to build multi-storey smart parking lots with online status-checking and reservation facilities at crowded places in the country.
These parking lots will be connected through a smart system enabling motorists to not only check the availability of parking spaces using smart phones or computers but also reserve them online.
“We have a complete plan for vehicles’ parking facilities in Qatar within the plans chalked out by the Ministry under National Strategy for Traffic Safety,” said Rashid Talib Al Nabit, Assistant Undersecretary for Road Transport at The Minister of Transport and Communications in a Qatar TV talk-show.
“We have started work on parking projects from the start of this year. The ambitious project is based on a survey conducted to collect the opinions of people to assess where they want parking facilities. And these facilities will be developed as per the size and type of vehicles in the country.”
As a matter of fact, he noted, "we cannot depend on the experiences of other countries in building parking facilities because the culture and needs are different of one country to another".
He said that in a "unique and first-time move", a latest modern technology will be used in these parking facilities enabling motorists to get advance information about the availability of parking spaces through smart phones and computers where they intend to visit.
"And they could reserve the vacant parking spaces as well. For example, a motorist wants to visit Souq Waqif or any other place, he would be able to get the information on the availability of parking space there immediately and could also reserve the space as per his choice for a specific date and time."
Focus on sustainable transport system
The parking project is part of national strategy for traffic safety of which more than 10 plans were shared by the Ministry. Around three of them have been implemented so far.
The first plan was Qatar Guide for Road Design which was completed in collaboration with other authorities concerned like Traffic Department and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal). The second plan was Qatar Guide for Traffic Control which has also been completed.
The third plan was building separate tracks for bicycles. The plan was completed a long time ago. "Now we are upgrading this plan. Now we have 153 kilometers tracks for bicycles on the roads of the country," he said, adding: "Around 264 kilometers new tracks for bicycles are under construction of which 64 kilometres tracks are expected to be completed within coming year."
The Ministry has come up with an idea to build sustainable transport system in new roads for the safety of people and properties. Sustainable transport means building modern roads taking into consideration all types of users; motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and people with disabilities because everyone has an equal right to use the roads.
Another feature of the modern roads is their connection with vital points like public transport, seaport and airport.
