ABU DHABI // Residents have welcomed ongoing traffic works to improve the road network around busy Al Wahda Mall, but news the shopping centre will be charging motorists to use its car park has drawn a mixed response.
Road improvements began in December and included the construction of three new traffic signals, improvements to the entrances and exits of the taxi lanes at the mall and expansion of the surrounding roads to ease congestion.
Raheel Ahmad, 32, an electrical engineer from Pakistan and a 10-year Abu Dhabi resident, said he was impressed with the Government’s efforts to reduce congestion.
“I come here at least three times a week and have noticed that traffic flow has improved in the area, especially the entrance and exit points to and from the mall,” he said. “I think the new signals, when installed, will ease the traffic flow on the roads leading to Al Wahda Mall and the Al Wahda Mall extension.”
The signals will be erected at Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, and at two other nearby locations.
The Dh13 million project by the Department of Transport aims to improve traffic and road services and relieve congestion by improving entry and exits for vehicles to the mall and neighbouring areas, while improving road safety and accommodating the growing number of cars in the area during peak hours. It is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The easy access was welcomed by Tilu Prasad Gautam, 41, a Nepalese cab driver at National Taxi for six years. “The traffic is better now,” he said.
Previously, drivers had to battle traffic build-up and congestion into and out of the mall, he said.
“The area used to be very congested and we’re happy that something is being done to improve safety and convenience for all road users,” said Tyrone Deen, 35, a shipping executive who has lived in Abu Dhabi for nine years.
Several Mawaqif parking bays that were closed as part of the road expansion have since re-opened. Residents welcomed the construction of new parking bays near the Muroor and Hazza bin Zayed Street junction across from Al Wahda main bus station.
Shabeen Rahman, 30, a marketing executive who lives near the mall, said the area now had ample parking, especially during the day.
“Look at all these empty spaces,” he said. “Before, this car park used to be very crowded.”
After more than seven years of free parking, Al Wahda Mall and its extension will begin charging visitors. Fees will come into effect today.
On Tuesday morning, parking attendants assisted mall visitors in a trial run for paid parking.
“Free parking until 13 Sept 2014,” the ticket read.
“I think they want to avoid congestion by discouraging those who leave their cars and walk to their offices near by,” Mr Deen said. “It’s also a money-making scheme.”
From Sunday to Thursday, parking is free for the first three hours, and Dh10 for every subsequent hour. Parking is free on weekends and public holidays. The aim is to ensure ample parking spots are available for genuine customers and prevent the misuse of the spots, a source said.
In recent months, machines and barriers started sprouting at the mall, which has doubled in size since it opened in 2007. It now houses more than 450 shops and kiosks across 3.3 million square feet, and has 3,800 parking slots.
“The car park on the ground floor all the way up to the upper ground floors used to be filled with cars before noon on weekdays,” Mr Ahmad said. “But for the past week I’ve noticed that many are trying to avoid coming to this mall.”
Mohammed Al Kaabi, 20, an Emirati student at the Petroleum Institute, said the new system would not discourage people from going to the mall, especially on weekends.
“It’s fine,” he said. “I don’t see it being a problem.”
rruiz@thenational.ae