Leave your cars home for one day
I am impressed about the initiate to promote public transport by announcing a car free day on February 19 (‘Car Free Day to be held next Wednesday’ Gulf News, February 10). I hope people leave behind their cars and contribute to a healthier environment at least on this one day. People often think that public transport is tiring and takes more effort. But, they don’t realise the benefits of it. On a personal level, if you use public transport you don’t have to both about finding parking spaces; you won’t have any driving strains like speeding or parking fines. When it comes to the environment, using public transport is not only a way to reduce your carbon footprint, but it is also a way to support your government as you will be making the most of the effort and money they put in while building top class infrastructure. Beyond this, using public transport gives you time to read your favourite books and magazines and saves money. These benefits should be an incentive for everyone to experiment with the public transport service on car free day. Last year 5,000 cars were taken off the roads on this day and it helped more than 14 tons of carbon dioxide emission. I’m writing this letter to encourage all readers to leave their cars back home for this one day and see the difference they can make. I don’t expect all car owners to use public transport everyday, but they can schedule their week in a way and start by using public transport at least twice or thrice a week. Have a feel of it and then you would want to use Dubai Metro and RTA buses more often. I thank the concerned authorities for having an amazing infrastructure of public transport in place. I am privileged to be a resident of the UAE.
From Ms Arushi Madan
Sharjah
No responsibility
This is ridiculous (‘Age limit for driving licence in UAE could be reduced,’ Gulf News, February 10). This would mean younger drivers road, who don’t understand the danger of rash driving and are not responsible enough for their lives and lives of others. Also, in my opinion the process of getting a driving license in Dubai is like a child’s birthday party. I don’t think that the training here can be compared with the ones in most European countries. So please rethink about this proposal and check the quality of drivers that come of driving schools.
From Ms Seb
Dubai
Website comment
Unfair
If they do this, they need to add other clauses to the driving law. People under 18 years of age should only be allowed to drive in restricted small roads and not be left on the highways. Once they turn 18 and have some experience, then their licences can be upgraded, allowing them to drive on highways. It isn’t fair to classify the entire under 18 population unfit for driving by saying that young drivers on road drive rough.
From Mr Adnan Faraz
UAE
Facebook comment
No benefit
What’s the benefit? As it is we have many irresponsible drivers on the road, not just the young drivers. There is no need to reduce the age. Why make changes that will not bring any benefit to the society? I think Dubai and other emirates should think of increasing the public transport network rather than increasing the number of cars and drivers on the roads.
From Ms Mahnaaz Sheikh
Dubai
Facebook comment
Risky
Before implementing this idea, authorities must look at historical data of driving offences from countries that have a lower age limit for acquiring driving licenses. Young and inexperienced drivers are the greatest risk to other road users.
From Mr J. M.
Dubai
Website comment
Full name withheld by request
Dangerous cyclists
I agree with the proposal of banning cyclists on roads that have a speed limit of 50km/h and above. I have experienced the danger myself while I was crossing the bridge over Shaikh Zayed Road, from Dubai Bowling Centre to Safa Park. There are groups of men cycling and crossing over the same bridge. Glad I realised on time, or I could have hit the cyclists. When people are down the bridge, they cannot see what or who is on top. They speed thinking it is safe, but then there are cyclists. Often cycles do not have precaution lights or tail lights which makes them barely visible in the evenings. With regards to the reduction of age limit, in my opinion a thorough study must be conducted before the law is implemented.
From Mr Jose
Dubai
Website comment
It’s not about the age
I think it depends on the individual and not their age. I have seen drivers over 20 years old, who driver recklessly. It completely depends on the individual and how responsible he/she is.
From Mr Faisal Ashraf
UAE
Facebook comment
Weak foundations
I would actually agree with reducing the age limit, but only if there is an overall improvement in the system of learning driving and acquiring the permit. In my opinion, driving licenses are easily given to people in the UAE and the training given is not up to the mark. Sometimes, I have come across driving trainers breaking the traffic laws themselves. It is scary to give out licenses to 16 year old’s or any new driver in such circumstances. The authorities should consider investing more in classrooms and tracks for practicing and learning driving. They should make the driving tests more difficult to complete. The driving training should not be less than eight months. Most people here don’t know how to read signs in Arabic or English and many don’t even know what they mean. How can these people be allowed behind the wheel? Foundation of driving skills should be strong in a new driver and awareness is the key to maintaining the safety and success of this beautiful country.
From Mr Sam
Dubai
Website comment
Improve training
This new proposal is not the answer to the traffic accidents and traffic jams. It will only put more cars and more aggressive on road. Forget road courtesy, these drivers don’t have a clue about road safety. Dubai is known for its fast and exclusive cars. The speed limits on roads are quiet high. So when we have teenagers driving these fast cars, we can imagine the situation on roads. Experience is a must for safe driving, but children at sixteen won’t understand that. I request the authorities to increase the age limit to 21 instead. Now days driving licences are handed over like free candies. Create awareness, increase road knowledge and have a campaign on road courtesy.
From Mr Haroon Rashid
Dubai
Website comment
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