Random parking of cars during Friday prayers hinders the movement of worshipers and pedestrians

Drivers and worshipers observed frequent random parking of vehicles on the surrounding roads leading to mosques, specifically during Friday prayers, causing obstruction to the movement of worshipers and pedestrians alike. They called on the concerned authorities to intensify field monitoring at these times, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and maintain public safety.

They told “Emirates Today” that the obligation to perform prayer does not constitute a justification for violating traffic laws and regulations, or causing obstruction of the road or the interests of others, stressing that preserving the safety of passersby and respecting their rights are an integral part of the religious and civil morals and values ​​​​in force in society.

They called for the need to intensify religious and traffic awareness campaigns to deliver a clear message that respecting the rights of others and making the road safe are an integral part of moral and religious practices.

For its part, Q-Mobility Company, which is responsible for managing, operating and developing the “Darb” traffic toll system in Abu Dhabi, and the “Mawaqif” system for public parking in the emirate, confirmed that random parking of vehicles in and around mosque parking lots obstructs the movement of worshipers and pedestrians, and affects the flow of traffic, in addition to its danger of delaying the arrival of emergency vehicles in emergency situations.

The company said, in a special statement to “Emirates Today”, that random parking in and around mosque parking lots takes several forms, the most prominent of which is double parking inside the parking lots, which leads to obstructing the movement of vehicles and blocking exit paths, in addition to parking on sidewalks designated for pedestrians, and obstructing the entrances and exits of mosques and emergency exits, which affects the ease of movement within these sites, and limits the flow of movement.

Q Mobility Company explained that random parking in front of mosques, especially during Friday prayers, leads to increased traffic congestion within the areas surrounding the mosques, delays the flow of movement, and increases the time required for vehicles to exit after the end of prayer. It may also affect the safety of worshipers and pedestrians, and hinder the arrival of ambulances, civil defense vehicles, and the competent authorities in emergency cases.

Regarding the measures taken to reduce this phenomenon, Q-Mobility confirmed that it is implementing, in cooperation with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Integrated Transport Center and the concerned authorities, field and media awareness campaigns, aiming to promote the culture of correct parking, and to consolidate adherence to traffic rules and regulations in and around mosques, in a way that contributes to reducing random parking, improving the flow of traffic, and facilitating the movement of worshipers and visitors during prayer times.

The company called on vehicle drivers to adhere to traffic rules and regulations, use designated regular parking lots, and avoid parking in locations that hinder movement or affect the safety of road users, stressing that adherence to these practices contributes to preserving everyone’s safety, enhancing the flow of traffic, and preserving the civilized appearance of public facilities.

She referred to what she publishes through her accounts on social media platforms as part of her awareness messages, including: “In the mosque area, your correct position facilitates access for everyone. Use designated positions and avoid obstructing movement.”

Q Mobility also continues to implement an awareness campaign regarding organizing parking around mosques, aiming to raise the level of vehicle drivers’ awareness of the importance of adhering to correct parking and using designated parking lots, which contributes to enhancing traffic safety, improving the flow of movement, and providing a safe and comfortable environment for worshipers and visitors.

• “Q Mobility” company called for the use of designated regular parking lots.