Municipality removes parking ban on street near Abdali Project

AMMAN — Cars are allowed again to park outside shops and restaurants located opposite the Abdali Project for a specific period of time a few days after a complete ban had been slapped, an informed source said Sunday. 

Last week, the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) decided to ban cars from parking outside shops located on Suleiman Nabulsi Street in order to "ensure smoother traffic movement in the area". 

The measure prompted owners of eateries and commercial shops, estimated to range between 300 and 400, to plan escalatory measures against the municipality. 

However, GAM went back on its decision on Friday, removing parking ban signs in the street in question and replacing them with the old ones that allow a 30-minute parking time limit. 

"We appreciate the municipality's reconsideration of its decision… many motorists have been issued tickets during the ban outside my restaurant, which affected business," said Hassan Abu Failat, owner of one of the restaurants opposite the Abdali Project.

Foodstuff Traders Association President Khalil Haj Tawfiq also voiced his appreciation of GAM for revisiting the decision, which he noted could have affected "many Jordanian families", particularly as he charged that there is "no one free parking lot in the area".  

On the other hand, Mazen Farajin, the head of GAM's media department, noted that the municipality is still carrying out maintenance work on the street, which witnesses "constant traffic jams".    

In earlier remarks, he said the renovations seek to "serve the whole area", adding that the improvement measures include paving sidewalks and opening parking lots.