Time up for malls, shopping centers in Qatar to implement new parking rule

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce announced that the grace period given to malls, hypermarkets and commercial complexes for implementing the new pay parking rule has come to an end, according to local media reports.

The rule was introduced to protect customers from exorbitant parkings fees. The rule first came into effect in April after the ministry issued a decision regulating car parking and valet service charges levied by malls and shopping centres.

Malls and commercial complexes were given 60 days to comply with the decree and avoid being subject to legal accountability and penalties. The decision also covers valet services.

Gulf Mall, Dar Al Salam Complex, The Gate Mall, City Center, Ezdan Mall, Landmark Complex, Souq Waqif, Doha Golf Club, Ahli Hospital, Villaggio, Lagoona Mall, The Pearl-Qatar and Katara are allowed to levy car parking and valet service charges.

Malls also have to clearly display a list of parking and valet service fees approved by the ministry at their entrances and should refrain from renting out parking spots to third parties without the MEC’s consent.

Vehicle owners will be charged QR2 per hour for the first and second hours, QR3 per hour for third and the fourth hours, and QR5 per hour thereafter.

The maximum charge for a day has been fixed at QR70. If the owner loses the ticket he will have to pay QR70.

Rates have also been fixed for valet services. The maximum fee will be QR30 for regular valet parking and QR60 for VIP valet parking.

According to the new rule, customers are exempted from any charge if they leave the parking area within 30 minutes due to unavailability of parking space.

The Ministry has already started intensive inspection campaign in markets and commercial complexes to ensure that they are implementing the new rule properly.

It has urged car owners to report about overcharging or about any unauthorised entity charging parking fee. [Gulf Times, The Peninsula]