Abuja’s ‘Park and Pay’ Scheme Returns, Get Ready to Pay to Park
NEWS DIGEST – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and a consortium of on-street parking concessionaires have forged an agreement to revive the “park and pay” scheme in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary of FCTA, Olusade Adesola, who signed on behalf of the FCTA on Saturday, said that the move was to promote a culture of orderliness and organisation in vehicle parking.
Adesola expressed that this move is expected to alleviate city congestion and enhance the driving experience, making it more pleasant for residents.
He clarified that the scheme, which was previously suspended in 2014 due to a court ruling, has now received proper regulation and endorsement from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Adesola outlined the scheme’s mechanics, sharing that designated parking spaces would be available for a fee, while fines would be imposed on motorists who park improperly.
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He underscored the pivotal role played by the six Area Councils, stating that both the FCTA and the councils have agreed to consolidate charges, distributing the proceeds between them.
Emphasizing a phased approach, Adesola highlighted the importance of public awareness and understanding before implementation. He underlined that a comprehensive communication strategy would be enacted, involving stakeholder engagement, outreach to key institutions, and media campaigns.
“This is to ensure that people are sensitized and, above all, to be aware that there will be a period of free parking, just for people to know how to use the facility,” he remarked.
Wadata Bodinga, Director of Traffic Management at the Transportation Secretariat of the FCTA, shed light on the rationale behind the initiative’s revival. With the FCT’s population growth leading to increased congestion and traffic challenges, haphazard parking has become a significant concern, exposing both drivers and pedestrians to safety risks. The reintroduction of the “park and pay” scheme aims to mitigate these issues.
