Govt halts Male council’s street parking rental
The rental system for parking slots was introduced by the city council under the leadership of the current mayor..,
The Ministry of Transport has issued a directive to Male city council to immediately stop renting out parking slots on the city streets, a move that aims to address increasing congestion in urban areas.
The ministry’s notification, published on Monday in the government gazette, is a step in the government’s broader plan to reduce traffic issues and reclaim public spaces for the wider community.
According to the Transport Ministry, the order to cease the rental of parking spaces stems from several key concerns:
1. Limited public space: The city’s streets have limited space that should be used for public purposes rather than commercial renting of parking spots. Allocating parking on a rental basis was seen as exacerbating the shortage of available space for other critical functions.
2. Temporary parking needs: By suspending the rental system, the Ministry hopes to make more space available for short-term parking. This would benefit individuals who need temporary access to certain areas of the city for essential needs, such as making deliveries or attending appointments.
3. Equal access for all citizens: The Ministry emphasised that public spaces should be accessible to everyone equally. The rental of parking spaces by private parties limits the use of these areas to a select group, rather than benefiting the general public.
The rental system for parking slots was introduced by the city council under the leadership of the current mayor. The city had allocated public spaces and designated parking zones for rent as a way to manage parking demands and generate revenue. However, critics argued that this practice limited access for everyday citizens and worsened congestion, particularly in key areas of the city.
