Municipality sets parking times in downtown Amman

AMMAN — The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) on Sunday set parking hours for shoppers in downtown Amman following protests by shop owners over strict regulations. 

A statement issued by GAM quoted Amman Mayor Aqel Biltaji as saying that motorists will be allowed to park their cars on the sides of the streets of downtown Amman from 10am to 1pm and from 6pm to 7am, adding that parking will be banned during morning and noon peak hours. 

Biltaji said the decision was taken in coordination between officials from the municipality and the Central Traffic Department (CTD), and representatives of the Amman Chamber of Commerce. 

GAM’s City Director Omar Lozi said the number of shuttle buses from Raghadan complex offering free of charge trips in downtown Amman will be increased to six buses in order to enable people to park their cars in free of charge parking lots. 

CTD Director Col. Yasser Harahsheh said the recent strict rules against parking across the capital were due to the increase in the number of cars in Jordan and vehicles that entered the Kingdom during this summer as authorities are working to ensure the flow of traffic and to counter congestion. 

Last Tuesday, dozens of shop owners in downtown Amman closed their stores to protest traffic department measures, charging that customers were unable to park without getting parking tickets.