Kabul Residents and Drivers Complain Over Unregulated Parking and Informal Fees

Drivers and residents in Kabul have raised concerns over the proliferation of informal parking spaces along roads and intersections in commercial districts. Individuals operating these makeshift lots are reportedly charging unauthorized fees ranging from 30 to 50 Afghanis, even for brief stops, prompting frustration among motorists and local communities.

Citizens are urging business owners and the Islamic Emirate to develop standardized parking facilities to ease traffic congestion and eliminate arbitrary charges. The growing number of vehicles and rapid urbanization have intensified the demand for organized parking infrastructure, yet many areas lack designated spaces.

Kabul Municipality has stated that existing regulations require new commercial and residential buildings to include designated parking areas. Nematullah Barakzai, a representative of the municipality, emphasized that authorities prohibit the conversion of parking basements into commercial or residential spaces. He noted that compliance with these building codes is essential to address the city’s expanding infrastructure needs and manage urban mobility effectively.

Local authorities have indicated that the absence of a coordinated parking management system remains a significant urban planning challenge. While enforcement of building regulations continues, officials acknowledge that broader municipal planning and private sector cooperation will be necessary to establish a sustainable parking network. Residents continue to call for clearer oversight and the development of public parking zones to prevent unauthorized operators from capitalizing on the shortage of legal facilities.