Manama: Innovative new space-saving car parks could be seen for the first time in Bahrain as officials seek to solve the country’s parking crisis.
Automated parking systems (APS), or robotic parking garages as they are also known, aim to maximise the number of cars that can be parked while minimising land usage.
The concept in its simplest form makes use of a Ferris wheel-like system consisting of a chain of open compartments revolving in a loop.
Mechanically simple with a small footprint, this type of APS is particularly popular in Japan.
Meanwhile, more advanced, fully-automated systems also exist that have been described as operating in a similar way to a “robotic valet” – mechanically lifting the car and transporting it to a pre-determined space within the system.
A proposal to introduce APS is set to be discussed by Muharraq Municipal Council on Sunday and its chairman Mohammed Al Sinan has given his full backing to the idea.
“People have been complaining about the lack of parking spaces in Muharraq and we have to do something to end the problem” he told the GDN.
“Thousands of cars are parked on pavements and in non-parking zones and are causing problems for residents.
“Not only is it an eyesore, but in older neighbourhoods it blocks the already narrow roads.
“This can all end if we start implementing a new efficient car parking system, which will multiply the number of cars that can be parked on even very small plots of land.
“It has already been implemented in western countries and Saudi Arabia, which means we are not taking a risk.”
According to General Directorate of Traffic statistics, upwards of 3,700 cars are bought by Muharraq residents every year, with around 15,000 cars registered in the last four years alone.
However, only 4,300 new parking spaces were constructed on the island by the Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry within the same period.
Mr Al Sinan estimates that more than 15,000 additional parking spaces are needed.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t do anything last year because we had a very limited budget,” he said.
“But this has now become a priority and we should find solutions as soon as possible.”
The official also called on residents to do their bit by cutting down on the number of cars they use.
“Most families in Muharraq, including mine, have around five to seven cars,” he said.
“This is the main cause of the problem.
“Nowadays every family member needs a car of his or her own.
“However, we should start taking responsibility and stop using as many cars because this not only causes congestion and parking problems but also destroys the
environment.”
While Muharraq waits for its parking revolution, four car parks are planned to open soon on the island – including one in Hala that features a garden on its roof.
shahlaa@gdn.com.bh
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