Dubai: There is no immediate plan to introduce Salik toll system on more Dubai Roads, a senior official has told Gulf News.
"I can't say 'yes' or 'no' on the second phase of the Salik toll system on Dubai roads," said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
He said the RTA's traffic studies and planning department is currently evaluating the existing Salik system and is conducting studies for future projects. "But it does not mean that Salik is being introduced on other roads," he said.
"We have not taken any decision on the implementation of the second phase of the Salik. The toll system is in fact part of a series of integrated solutions worked out by the RTA to tackle traffic congestion," he said.
"We will inform the public if there is any decision on introducing the second phase of Salik but so far there is no plan," he said.
The Salik toll system started on July 1 last year and toll gates were installed on Al Garhoud Bridge and near Mall of the Emirates on Shaikh Zayed Road. Motorists pay Dh4 each time they pass through the toll gates.
Al Tayer reiterated that Salik toll system has helped reduce traffic passing through the toll gates on Al Garhoud Bridge and Shaikh Zayed Road by 45 per cent and has also helped increase average speed of vehicles on Shaikh Zayed Road by 20kmh.
"The aim of the Salik system is to bring about an express corridor to meet the requirements of global trading companies and to respond to the needs of residents who wish to reach their destination quickly," he said.
Your comments
It is correct that the salik reduced the traffic under the salik gates, but at the same time traffic increased in other parts of the city.
Rahman
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 30, 2008, 09:54
The Aim of Salik was to reduce conjestion on these Roads. In case a second phase is introduced to cover more roads, it will immediately reverse the situation to normal once more as alternative roads will be of no use since they will also have these Toll Gates.
Dennis
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 30, 2008, 09:09
Traffic must have reduced on Garhoud and Shaikh Zayed Road but it has increased on the other roads where there's no toll gates and its further time consuming.
Rovina
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 30, 2008, 08:30
Since the Salik has been implemented we at The Lakes and Greens live 90% of our day gridlocked in. The toll needs to be put where drivers can't cut through residential areas to avoid it. Just try getting through the Barsha junction any time its a nightmare.
L Davies
dubai,ue
Posted: January 30, 2008, 08:12
I am a bit amused to read that the Salik System is in response "to residents who wish to reach their destination quickly". Where time is money or rest after a hard day's work, is there a single resident who doesn't want to reach his destination quickly? It is the authorities' duty to ensure all residents enjoy the benefits.
R.J.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 30, 2008, 07:59
"Transparency" is what RTA should adobt and practice. RTA keeps saying they are "studying" or have carried out "Studies"... where as public never get a chance to see, read and understand these studies, scope of such and their outcomes and recommendations.
Karkain
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 30, 2008, 07:32
"The aim of the Salik system is to bring about an express corridor to meet the requirements of global trading companies and to respond to the needs of residents who wish to reach their destination quickly," he said. Then how come i can reach Dubai Airport or Sharjah much faster, from Jebel Ali, everyday, via Emirates road?
Noura
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 30, 2008, 02:52
