Male' City Council Seeks Public Feedback on Congestion Plan Including Paid Parking

Male' City Council has opened a public consultation on a comprehensive plan to reduce traffic congestion in the capital, which includes introducing paid parking zones. The plan, developed with technical assistance from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), was published on the council's official website. Under the proposed framework, parking fees will vary by area and time, with digital payment systems to facilitate easy transactions. Clear signage will indicate parking regulations, restrictions, and charges. The plan also includes strengthening enforcement mechanisms. Priority areas identified for the initial rollout of paid parking include the Hiyya parking area near Majeedhee Magu, the stretch of Ameer Ahmed Magu between Velanaage and Hotel Jen, and the IGMH or Viligili Ferry Terminal area. Fees and time limits may be adjusted based on usage and public response. The council aims to complete the most urgent actions within six months. Additional measures, such as increasing off-street and dedicated parking spaces and mandating parking provisions in new building developments, are scheduled to be implemented within 25 months. In a statement, the council emphasized that public opinion is vital in making Male' a more livable and orderly city. Feedback on the plan can be sent via email to secretariat@malecity.gov.mv with the subject line "Decongestion Feedback" by Tuesday of next week. The move follows the recent enactment of the Land Transport Act, which allows for the installation of parking meters and the collection of fees based on parking duration.