Buildings in Addis Abeba are mandated to open their parking spaces to the public, as part of a broader effort to address the city’s persistent traffic congestion and enhance parking infrastructure. Addis Abeba Traffic Management Authority has introduced a series of measures with hopes of optimising the use of parking spaces and regulating traffic flow.

Licenses will now be required for operating parking businesses. Building owners who repurpose parking spaces for other activities will face penalties, and fines on drivers who park in non-designated areas will also increase.

The regulation targets underutilised parking spaces, especially within buildings, to increase the availability of parking in the city. It applies to a range of facilities, including roadside, underground, and above-ground parking, as well as modern structures incorporated into new developments.

Biniyam Getachew, director of Parking & Infrastructure Management at the Authority, noted the challenges caused by the city's unregulated parking system, which has resulted in over 80pc buildings failing to offer adequate parking services. He said this deficiency exacerbates traffic issues across the city.

"It's to regulate traffic flow and reduce traffic congestion," he said.

Biniyam remarked that the current approach to parking lacks consideration for the unique demographic and geographic factors that impact mobility. He believes this regulation will address the mismanagement of parking spaces, which have been diverted for unintended purposes.

All buildings with parking spaces must now obtain a certificate of competency, submit safety protocols, and install standardised parking indicators. Parking operators are required to issue receipts, employ administrators wearing reflective uniforms, and install tracking devices to monitor space availability. Signage and digital systems for payment compliance are also mandatory, ensuring transparency and efficient management.

Building owners are given seven days from certification to submit service delivery schedules and display signboards designating areas for public parking. The use of parking facilities for non-parking purposes or tampering with payment machines to generate illegal revenue is strictly prohibited.

While parking service providers have the freedom to set their prices, the Authority has the authority to regulate costs if deemed excessive.

"We encourage a free market system for parking, but we’re prepared to step in if prices become unreasonable," Biniyam said.

The Authority plans to survey all buildings in the capital to ensure compliance with the new parking regulations. The global parking industry is projected to grow to 5.8 billion dollars by 2028, with smart technology and predictive parking solutions driving this expansion.

Aron Hotel, which has provided ground-level parking for 17 vehicles since its opening in 2020, faces challenges in meeting customer demand.

"We prioritise our customers, but space is limited," said Hawi Zewde, the hotel’s general manager.

The disparity between building purposes and available parking spaces is another concern. Manager of Addis Parking Plc, a pioneering company in the sector,  said imposing restrictions without ensuring sufficient infrastructure is not right.