The Jeddah Municipality will introduce paid parking spaces at busy commercial centers and bridges throughout the city.

The first phase of the paid parking scheme was launched Wednesday in the downtown area by Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed, said Mohammed Al-Buqami, Jeddah Municipality spokesman.

The new parking system will officially take effect on Sept. 9.

Parking will cost SR3 per hour. Customers can pay via a prepaid electronic account or by cash. A smartphone app will also be launched soon for the service.

The project will be launched in coordination with the private sector.

Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras said the launch of an electronic system for paid parking in the downtown area is one of many projects being implemented by a leading Jeddah development company.

Projects also include the rehabilitation of sidewalks and the establishment of additional car parking spaces, as well as organizing traffic flow.

“The project will have positive economic effects on commercial centers, while providing plenty of parking space for visitors to malls and the historical area,” said Abu Ras.

“The main aim of the project is to provide more space for walking and driving, while also ensuring enough leeway for emergency and Civil Defense personnel to park when necessary.”

The project will also put an end to illegal parking, he said.

“The development of infrastructure for parking spaces and sidewalks is well under way, in addition to the installation of 39 parking meters, traffic lights, and signs.”

The operating company is expected to launch an awareness campaign, which will include the distribution of brochures, between Aug. 20 and 30.

The company will also launch a campaign to train individuals on how to use the meter and will issue unofficial parking tickets from Sept. 1 to 8 to get residents used to the idea.

Several shop owners have expressed concern about the launch of paid parking spots in front of their shops, which they say will prevent many of their employees from parking nearby due to high costs and make them late for work.

“We cannot please everyone,” said Al-Buqami. “There are other public parking spots that workers who don’t want to pay can use, even if they are further away from their workplaces.”

“Ultimately, the pros of this project far outweigh the cons,” he said.