For the first time, vehicle parking zones have been created in the asphalt-laid parts of the outermost road of Malé, Boduthakurufaanu Magu.
The parking zones were drawn in the area in front of the Mary Brown fast-food outlet, on the pavement between the date palms. The zones provide parking for six motorcycles in each; the council does not intend to charge a parking fee.
Malé Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, speaking with Mihaaru news said that the parking zone was created in a way that ensures walking space for pedestrians. Dr. Muizzu further noted that the area previously lacked pavement and was filled with rundown vehicles left aside.
"We cleaned up the area, removed the vehicles, and laid bricks there," he said. "The area previously lacked a pavement, which made it difficult for pedestrians."
The city council has attracted criticism from some who claimed that authority made a parking zone on the pavement, causing disruptions.
Previously, vehicle parking on the asphalt-laid parts of Boduthakurufaanu Magu was prohibited. Despite this, the issue of parked vehicles on the road remained a recurring complaint.
The surge of vehicles in the capital city has resulted in a scarcity of parking spaces, which has not been resolved despite the efforts made to create new zones.