Dubai residents have been spotting a new thing attached to kerbs and footpath edges. It is a compact device with built-in cameras and a small solar panel. Widely shared by an Instagram account, the post got a lot of attention with around 19,000 shares. Parkin’s new device are already stationed in selected areas of Dubai, and they are about to change how parking violations are detected in Dubai.
What is Parkin’s New Device?
As per plan, the devices were launched in on-street parking areas. These are smart camera rollouts for on-street parking policing. CEO of Parkin, Engineer Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali told Khaleej Times on February 28 that the company is planning to deploy around 1,000 solar powered smart cameras in the first phase. The priority locations include Dubai World Trade Centre and key event venues.
The device uses computer vision that recognises automatic number plates to monitor parked vehicles in real time. It is built for detecting violations like unpaid parking and overstaying when any violation is confirmed, an automatically generated fine is sent to the registered vehicle owners. No human Inspector is involved in the process.
Where Are They Located?
The devices are not available across all Dubai yet. On February 28, Parkin announced that the devices will cover designated locations like Downtown Boulevard and Expo City; full coverage of Dubai’s 190,000 paid parking slots is targeted by end 2026.
What Does It Mean For Drivers?
Parking violations in covered areas will be detected automatically and consistently, a practical and straightforward implication. Parkin’s new device system is designed to cut average parking space search from 12 minutes to below 4. Automated scanning and fine generation removes the element of chance that existed with the physical enforcement.
Drivers who believe the fines are issued incorrectly can file an online appeal for free through the Parkin system. The cases are reportedly reviewed within 14 working days and refunds are processed if the appeal is successful.
Public Response to Parkin’s New Device
Many residents have appreciated Parkin’s new device, and welcomed the efficiency and removal of human enforcement. However, some have also lamented the hike in parking fee in the last few months and stringent enforcement of fines, giving no grace time to motorists between parking their car and paying the applicable fee. The Parkin app reviews on Google Play also express frustration with technical issues. This raises concerns about the entire fine-and-appeal process that is supposed to run through the same app.
Read More: AI Barrierless Parking System in Abu Dhabi
