‘Police to ease up on parking tickets near shops during Eid’

AMMAN — Traffic officers will not issue tickets to cars parked in front of shops during Eid, unless the vehicles are blocking traffic or double-parked, the Food Traders Association (FTA) said on Saturday, citing a decision by the Public Security Department (PSD). 

An official at the PSD confirmed the move.

The decision follows complaints from retailers who said customers were staying away because they were unable to park without getting tickets, said FTA President Khalil Haj Tawfiq.

“For months, motorists have noticed an unprecedented increase in parking tickets issued in front of shops and malls,” Haj Tawfiq told The Jordan Times.

The parking tickets were “driving shoppers away”, especially around shopping centres, according to the official.

“In holidays, the traffic department closes several roads and kills the commercial activity in that area. We asked the traffic and the public security departments to suspend the issuance of parking tickets in front of shops,” he said.

During Eid Al Fitr, Jordanians usually shop for new clothes, as well as sweets and coffee for the holiday, which is expected to start on Tuesday depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. 

“People have been receiving unjustified parking tickets when they go to buy Eid clothes, coffee or sweets,” Haj Tawfiq said.

The PSD's decision to stop issuing tickets to motorists parked near shops came into effect on Friday and will continue until after the holiday, the FTA official added. 

The decision does not apply to double-parked cars, or to vehicles parked on corners or slopes, he noted.

Haj Tawfiq urged shoppers to head out early to avoid traffic jams and overcrowding. 

“There are discounts and special offers on several products this week. People should go at different times and to different places to benefit from the offers and to stay away from crowded streets,” he said.

An official from the PSD, who asked to remain anonymous, said the department will avoid road closures and detours that affect businesses during and before the holiday following complaints from traders.

“The agreement includes keeping roads open in busy shopping areas to facilitate the Eid days for traders,” he told The Jordan Times.

Vehicles obstructing traffic on main streets or double-parked will be issued parking tickets, he added.

“We will work within the law. Residents should pay attention to traffic signs and should park where they are allowed. The department will lay off issuing tickets for residents in front of shops and for short periods of time,” the source said. 

The official urged motorists to abide by traffic rules and regulations during Eid and to park in designated lots or places that do not affect traffic flow.