Motorists call for regulating valet parking

AMMAN — For some citizens, valet parking has created more of a problem than a solution, yet, many shop owners consider it a part of their customer services.

Several companies in Amman provide valet parking, a system based on removing the issue of self-parking and stress of finding a parking spot. The service is either extended for a fee or offered as complimentary, according to online resources.

Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) spokesperson Naser Rahamneh told The Jordan Times that “valet parking service is a service organised by the GAM, so valet service providers must have a valid, GAM-issued work permit”.

Rahamneh believes that valet services should be complimentary if the customer is parked in a licensed “parking spot” on the establishment’s premises.

According to Rahamneh, it is legal for valet service providers to charge customers for services, as long as fees are no more than JD2. 

“GAM has set a price cap for valet services of up to JD2,” Rahmneh said.

Valet service providers are obliged to install surveillance cameras at the car drop-off and pick-up locations, according to the 2018 Valet Car Parking Service Law, which is available on the ACC website.

Highway engineer Hussam Za’atreh told The Jordan Times: “Valet services need to be regulated. Anyone who has a valet permit claims the ownership of the street curb and also as a car owner I need to make sure that my car is safe and the driver is qualified to drive.”

Za’atreh added that the parking problem adds to Jordan’s transportation problem. He stated that solutions need to be taken at early stages of city planning.

Nour Ghunaim, a young Jordanian woman who drives to work every day,  told The Jordan Times that GAM needs to find better solutions for the worsening parking situation to achieve better traffic flow in Amman. 

“I used to avoid valet parking at any cost, but recently it’s becoming impossible. Valet service has taken over Amman. You find them when you want to park near any hospital, restaurant or hotel — we basically find them everywhere,” Ghunaim added.