The decision was taken by the Governorate of Beirut without prior notice.

However, Nassif Kaloush, Governor of North Lebanon and acting Governor of Beirut, said that the decision ends manipulation in prices by parking owners.

Increasing demand and the unavailability of enough parking spaces has stipulated many of parking owners to manipulate prices.

Many of car owners, and employees who spend hours looking for a parking space and are being delayed from their working shifts, are forced to bribe parking operators to secure a small parking space. 

Kaloush said that the raise in fees is implemented only in closed and underground parking spaces and excludes open parking lots including the ones located in the Riad El Solh square.