RTA to streamline issuance of parking permits for persons with special needs

The decision stated that such permits are to be issued on the basis of a medical report endorsed from the Department of Health and Medical Services, or any of the welfare centers for the persons with special needs, authorizing holders to park in the parking designated for special need persons.

The decision specified four types of permits; the first is the Blue Permit, which is a permanent permit issued in favour of individuals with permanent body disability and is valid for three years. The second one is Red Permit, which is a temporary permit issued for persons with temporary body disability such as those injured in traffic accidents. It is valid for a period of one month up to six months and renewable upon a medical report endorsed by the Department of Health and Medical Services.

The third type is the Green Permit; which is issued for buses and vehicles used in transporting persons with special needs belonging to non-profit seeking companies and establishments engaged in rehabilitation & welfare of persons with special needs. Such permit is valid for one year, renewable. The fourth type is the Yellow Permit, which is granted to tourists and visitors of the UAE, provided such permit is endorsed by the concerned embassy or diplomatic authority.

"This decision comes in line with the vision of the RTA to provide safe and smooth transport for all and also in manifestation of the commitment of the RTA to implement Article 25 of the Federal Law No. 29/2006 governing the rights of persons with special needs. Such law highlights the importance of providing the technical specifications necessary for the use and requirement of persons with special needs in roads, modes of public transport and means of road & marine transport" Al Tayer said.

He further added that such action comes also in implementation of the instructions of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, President of the Executive Council of the emirate of Dubai regarding introduction of practical measures to integrate the persons with special needs within the community. Al Tayer pointed out that the requirements of persons with special needs have been taken into consideration in all projects carried out by the RTA, particularly Dubai Metro, public transport buses and means of marine transport in addition to designating special parking spaces for them in all locations.