The Department of Transport has launched a new paid-parking programme in the capital.

The scheme Mawaqif, Arabic for or parking, uses electronic prepaid cards and solar-powered meters and will be implemented in nine stages, the first starting on October 10.

The department, which launched the programme yesterday, said each stage would take three months to complete, during which time parking meters would be installed in congested and busy areas of Abu Dhabi city and its suburbs. The programme will also be rolled out in selected areas of Al Ain.

In the first phase, the system will be implemented in the busiest commercial areas between Khalifa, Hamdan, Liwa streets and around the Eastern Ring Road. The programme is part of the DoT's Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP) and is in line with Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 that envisages the capital having a population of three million in 20 years' time.

Najib Al Zarouni, General Manager of Parking at the DoT, told Emirates Business there would be more than 75,000 parking spaces in the capital – but not all would require payment.

"Initially, only parking spaces in congested and prime areas will come under the system," he said.

The department has signed agreements with three private companies – Saaed Traffic Systems, IMUM and Parsons – for the development, management and implementation of the project, which will be completed in less than two-and-a-half years.

A number of Mawaqif customer service centres will be set up across the city to sell pre-paid cards and provide information about the scheme.