A fully-fledged paid parking system would be in place by the end of this year in the historic Jeddah district to help reduce traffic violations and ease congestion, according to a municipal official.

Mohammed Al-Buqmi, spokesman of the Jeddah Municipality, told Arab News that the city has already started implementing the project, which includes an automated payment system in downtown Jeddah.

Al-Buqmi said one aim is to provide more space for pedestrians and shoppers, and facilitate the movement and organization of traffic in the area. Another objective is to create enough room on the streets to allow access for emergency and Civil Defense vehicles. The project includes the rehabilitation of sidewalks to make it safer for pedestrians and individuals with special needs, he said.

The paid parking system, which can accommodate more than 700 vehicles at a time, will prevent vehicles from parking illegally and obstructing traffic in the area.

So far, more than 39 pay meters have been installed at SR3 an hour. Al-Buqmi confirmed that payment could be made directly at the meters, opening an account with credit in advance, or using coins. Soon a smartphone application would be launched to further facilitate payment, he said.

The parking development initiative is one of several projects being implemented by the Jeddah Urban Development Company, in partnership with the private sector. These projects include the rehabilitation of sidewalks, additional parking spaces, regulation of vehicles and upgrading pedestrian walkways. Sidewalks will be rehabilitated in various neighborhoods, including Al-Hindawiya, the Southern Market, the Historic District, Bab Makkah and the area under the King Fahd Road Bridge.

Col. Zaid Al-Hamzi, spokesman of the Jeddah Traffic Department, told Arab News that downtown Jeddah and the historic district have the highest rate of traffic violations, mainly due to illegal parking because of limited space. He said the launch and operation of the project would significantly reduce violations, which have recently increased by almost 70 percent.