Reflection 1

It’s my first meeting in this course. The meeting was excellent and we’re very proud. I think we did a good job. We discussed the agenda of the problem and we found a solution for each item. We learned how to communicate to solve problems. The meeting helps to exchange experience among students. The chairman introduced the topic, the participant did a good job and the secretary did very well. One of the benefits we got is how to co-operate to get a model solution for problems.

Meeting Assessment 1

LSEC N 101           Meeting Assessment               Section:CEK



Date of meeting: 7^th March 2011

Time of meeting: 16:10

Venue: W007

Group members:

•       Chair: Abdul-Aziz.
•       Minute taker: Jaber.
•       Participant: Hedley.

Venue preparation:

Agenda:

•       Underground parking.
•       Paid parking/short term – long term.
•       Congestion charge / taxes / restrictions.
•       Public transport.
•       Increase age of driver.

Objectives:

The chairman AbdulAziz opened the meeting at 16:32

1.     Underground parking.

Jaber said it is a good idea

Hedley worried about the price.

AbdulAziz said the cost of underground parking should be limited. Hedley asked if new buildings were required to have sufficient parking space. Were the regulations enforced? Jaber said no.

2.     Paid parking ( Short term – Long term )

This is now quite common in Abu Dhabi and it has reduced congestion.

Hedley pointed out that some residents who have bought 1 or 2 permits still can’t find space to park.  AbdulAziz suggested designated areas for short-term parking. People who buy permits should have designated spaces. Hedley suggested + Jaber + AbdulAziz agreed.

3.     Congestion charge /taxes/restrictions.

Hedley asked if a Salik-type system as in Dubai would work in Abu Dhabi. Jaber pointed out it would be more difficult as there is no metro for people to use instead of their cars. The extra workload on the police of enforcing extra restrictions, and the cost + delay of implementing such schemes was mentioned by Jaber + Abdul-Aziz.

4.      Public transport

AbdulAziz suggested a new metro. Hedley asked if there was enough space in the town for a metro.  Jaber said there is room if construction is carefully planned. He also suggested free parking 08:00-15:00 so all workers could leave their cars at home. AbdulAziz highlighted the need for a number of stations in all areas.

5.     Increased age of driver?

Jaber thought this is a bad idea- many younger drivers are needed in families where older members have died or cannot drive. AbdulAziz pointed out that 18 year olds need to get to college. If you live in Shahama a car is the only way.

•     In conclusion we thought that

1.     Underground parking is a good idea. Rules about new buildings having adequate parking must be strictly enforced.

2.     Paid parking has made the situation better but more thought is needed, e.g. on permits and designating special time +space.

3.     We were in favor of more restrictions like the Salik card.

4.     We liked the idea of building public transport especially a metro.