Taking a bigger toll on drivers

Dubai: The second phase of the Salik toll gate system becomes operational today at the Al Safa and Al Maktoum Bridge gates, with the maximum charge for passing through the gates in one day set at Dh24.

The first phase of the system already has two gates - on Al Garhoud Bridge and Al Barsha on Shaikh Zayed Road - which became operational in July 2007.

Salah Al Marzouqi, Director of the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) Intelligent Traffic Systems Department, said the toll gate at Al Maktoum Bridge will be free of charge during the closure period of the Floating Bridge from 10pm to 6am daily.

Once per hour

Al Marzouqi said motor-ists will be charged only once when they cross Al Safa toll gate and Al Barsha toll gate (near Mall of the Emirates) within a period of one hour in both directions.

"One trip means that when a vehicle passes under Al Safa toll gate, the toll charge will be deducted only once even if the vehicle passes under Al Barsha toll gate and vice versa within a specific period of time fixed as one hour," he said.

The Salik toll gate system is fitted with an electronic traffic control system to monitor traffic bottlenecks triggered by traffic accidents, and as a result motorists will not be charged again in cases of traffic congestion.

Al Marzouqi noted that the average time required to cross under the two gates is 15 to 20 minutes.

Al Marzouqi said the RTA has provided five alternative routes and huge numbers of public buses.

The alternative roads include the 13-lane Business Bay Crossing, and the Floating Bridge linking the terminal point of Al Ittihad Road near City Centre with Al Riyadh Road in Bur Dubai.

Bigger alternatives

Other roads include Emirates Road which the RTA has widened from three to six lanes in each direction up to the Arabian Ranches Interchange.

Options also include Dubai Bypass Road, consisting of six lanes in each direction linking the emirate of Dubai with the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, without having to pass through the downtown area.

Al Marzouqi said the RTA has also introduced other options that include state-of-the-art public buses and a "Lift Me" service, which is being offered to RTA employees in its initial phase.

The service provides deluxe vehicles fitted with internet services and employee attendance systems.

The RTA has provided a package of interactive services to subscribers of the Salik system that includes its website, www.salik.ae.

This enables subscribers to top up their accounts using several options such as credit cards, e-dirham or direct deductions from a bank account, in coordination with Dubai e-Government.

Topping up

Users may also use the conventional means of topping their accounts by visiting a number of petrol stations such as Emarat, Eppco, Enoc and Adnoc, or branches of the Dubai Islamic Bank or Emirates Bank.

Services also include the IVR system in which subscribers may check their account balances and details of toll gate crossings and request account details through SMS.

This is made possible by calling a Salik dedicated call centre on 800-72545, and following the voice guidance accordingly.

Al Marzouqi said the RTA will shortly unveil new, prompt and easy ways to use services to top up the accounts of the system subscribers.

Maximum limit: Dh24 will be charged

The maximum charge for passing through toll gates in one day will be Dh24.

Motorists will be charged once if they cross Al Safa and Al Barsha toll gates within one hour. The toll gate at Al Maktoum Bridge will be free of charge during the closure period of the Floating Bridge from 10pm to 6am daily.

Making sense of salik: Your questions answered

How does Salik work?

Motorists do not have to stop to pay the toll. They have to purchase pre-paid cards and the fix machine-readable-stickers on the vehicle's front windshield. Toll charges are deducted from their cards every time they pass under the electronic gates fitted with scanners.

Where are the toll gates located and how much is the toll fee?

Motorists crossing Al Garhoud Bridge or Al Maktoum Bridge or entering Shaikh Zayed Road from First Interchange until Fourth Interchange will be charged Dh4 per entry.

How do I open a Salik account?

You should provide a completed application when you purchase your tag. These applications are available at retail outlets or can be downloaded from the Salik website www.salik.ae. Your account number will be sent to you via SMS when your application is processed. You will need to provide a copy of your car registration at the time of submitting an application.

What happens if I do not have a Salik tag but use toll gates?

Ideally, you should get and install a tag prior to travelling through the Salik zones or take an alternate route to avoid fines. You will be fined Dh100 for not having a Salik tag. But there is no need to panic, as you can still have your fine waived if you open a Salik account and affix a Salik tag within two days of committing the violation.

What happens if I don't have enough credit in my account?

You will receive an SMS as a reminder and you should top up your account. There are various methods to top up the account, including the web and participating banks or petrol stations.

Can I drive through the toll zone immediately after buying a tag?

Yes, if your tag is purchased and installed properly and an application is submitted or in process, the proper toll will be added, with no violation.

Someone else was driving my car at the time of violation. Do I have to pay?

Yes, the owner of the vehicle is responsible for any toll violation, regardless of who was driving at the time the violation occurred.

Do you think the new toll gates will have any affect on the traffic situation? Are you aware of alternative routes and the new charging system? How will the new toll gates affect your daily commute? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comment.

I have to travel from Shj. to Dubai every day for work. when I pay salik at the Garhoud Bridge and go to Al Quoz for work, it is not fair to ask me to pay again at Al Safa Gate. When RTA exempts Al Maktoum Bridge users From Al safa Toll Gate
M.K.Joseph
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2008, 11:56

Installing salik tolls within city is nothing less than way of earning more profits. The traffic is still the same as it was before installing salik tolls. Tolls are meant to be installed at border points like Dubai, Shj,AUH etc. In few years time for sure there will be salik tolls on every 5 mins of driving.
Jasmine
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 09, 2008, 10:58