Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Abu Dhabi has begun converting its parking payment devices to a 5G smart system, which will soon replace paper tickets. According to the Integrated Transport Centre, the new machines will produce an e-ticket after paying Mawaqif parking costs. According to officials, drivers using the devices can pay for parking by following the steps outlined on the screen. Users select the parking category, provide vehicle information and parking duration and choose a payment method — Mawaqif card, cash or credit or debit cards. According to ITC, more than 1,200 devices will be upgraded with 5G technology, with the entire process expected to be completed by the end of the year. The elimination of paper parking permits is part of ITC's commitment to support the digital transformation of its services and promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle in the emirate. ITC announced in April that motorists in Abu Dhabi can pay parking costs via its Darb app. Drivers can top up their accounts on the app and select the vehicle, parking space category (standard or premium), and amount of hours. An hour of standard parking costs Dh2 ($0.5). The Darb app can also be used to pay at toll gates in Abu Dhabi. Parking in Abu Dhabi can also be paid for by text message. Drivers should text 3009 the city code and plate category of their car, followed by a space, the plate number, followed by a space, S or P for standard or premium, followed by a space, and the duration in hours. City codes are AUH for Abu Dhabi, DXB for Dubai, SHJ for Sharjah, AJM for Ajman, UAQ for Umm Al Quwain, RAK for Ras Al Khaimah, and FUJ for Fujairah. BKM/ Expat Media
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