Concern continues to grow over sneaky tourists occupying parking spaces at public parks, gardens and walkways near Bahrain International Airport for days, weeks and even months, according to councillors.
The Muharraq Municipal Council voted yesterday to urge the authorities concerned to take action by issuing fines and removing the vehicles to police compounds if necessary.
Their request will be referred by Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Wael Al Mubarak to Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa for action.
Airport area councillor Abdulqader Al Sayed said the problem had started surfacing in surroundings areas when fees were introduced in December last year to park cars at Arad Bay Protected Area and Park in December 2022.
He added that it just took a few months before wily GCC nationals started surveying the surrounding places close to the airport and found other free car parking spots.
“We now live in an era when knowledge is spread within seconds and even if some travellers weren’t aware about the areas, they do now,” said Mr Al Sayed.
“What started as a few GCC number-plate vehicles has now become hundreds,” he added. “People don’t want to pay BD5 per day if they are travelling and not returning to Bahrain for a couple of weeks.
“When parking rates increased at the airport, they went in search of free parking at nearby Arad Bay, and now charges have been introduced there, they will continue looking for other places, ruining it for locals wanting to visit amenities in the area.”
He does not believe that continually introducing parking fees on municipal facilities resolves the issue because the move hits residents wanting to breathe fresh air and enjoy the spaces for recreation and family gatherings.
“The police have to be present and through a simple system check, find out when the owners entered the country and how much time they have been occupying the space and, accordingly, decide whether to issue a fine or have the car tow-trucked away,” he added.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))