Raise the driving age
In the eyes of India’s law, this may be a violation, but nowadays, children all over the world are growing very faster mentally and in stature (‘Dad in custody for letting son, 9, drive Ferrari in India,’ Gulf News, May 1). So, it is high time we lower the driving age to 15 or 16. If the parents are ready to take responsibility, let the children pass the test and drive cars or bikes.
From Mr Lal Johns
Dubai
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A danger to us all
Mr Lal Johns, I am astounded that you are suggesting we reduce the driving age. Parents may take responsibility for their children’s lives, but what about the public’s lives, which they may endanger?
From Mr Mubarak Basha
Dubai
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Interesting debate
Interesting to read the comment on lowering the driving age limit to 15 years. Yes, parents may agree and take responsibility, but we, as fellow road-users, do not appreciate the possibility of getting hit by a vehicle driven by a minor. He or she cannot be even be tried in a normal court of law should anything untoward happen. This was surely done for publicity, otherwise, why would someone post an illegal act on social media?
From Mr Santhosh Menon
Dubai
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A serious crime
This would have been a case of child abuse and neglect had it happened in the US, as per the tenets of the social services guidelines which state: ‘Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm’.
From Mr Savio Menezes
Dubai
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Unappealing at first
When the fuel stations introduce exclusive self-service it will create some setbacks and surprises at first (‘ENOC introduces self-service at fuel stations,’ April 30). To reduce this, each fuel station should have some areas set as self-service and the rest as full-service spots, like they are now. Self-service will not be very attractive to some women and the elderly and will cause some inconvenience. More than four decades ago, self-service was a strange thing in the southern parts of the US, but now 99 per cent of the petrol stations there are self-service.
From Mr A. Sam Mathew
US
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Rough start
It would work, but it will take people a lot of time to get used to the idea and reduce employment opportunities for petrol station workers.
From Ms Zainab
Dubai
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Attendants needed
In general, I oppose this idea because self-service may cause unnecessary delays as people will take their own time to fill up their cars or struggle with how to do it. Not everyone is efficient. This is a lesson one learns when going to deposit cash through a machine at the bank. Self-service may also cause serious damage or accidents if there are no attendants at the pumps, as people might make a mistake or just be careless while re-fuelling their cars. Attendants are really fast when handling cash, so were they not there, it would cause chaos at the station. I think this concept would be alright during the night when there is less traffic, but at least one attendant should be at each station to ensure the safety of motorists.
From Mr Omar
Abu Dhabi
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Not enough pumps
I don’t think this is a good idea at all. The problem is that most drivers don’t have any understanding of the payment system or how to properly re-fuel their vehicles. Secondly, a big problem in the UAE is that the number of petrol stations is very low compared to the number of cars on the roads. I have never observed a single empty petrol station. When queueing up, one is always third or fourth in line. If we apply self-service at peak times, I fear people will start fighting and we will see an increase in the number of horns being blown and arguments between drivers.
From Mr Fayez
Dubai
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Stay unique
I would much rather pay a few dirhams extra to have an attendant fill my car. Petrol is less expensive in the UAE anyway. I don’t think they should apply the self-service rule just because it is a worldwide practice. The UAE, and especially Dubai, is a unique place, where a luxurious and comfortable lifestyle is promoted very actively. Why would you want to change that? Also, this service gives jobs to thousands of people. So, please don’t make them lose their jobs. Happy customers and happy employees equals a successful business.
From Ms Pari
Dubai
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Wrong move
What about the people who will lose their jobs because of this, those petrol station attendants who work day and night? I certainly oppose this step.
From Mr Fahad
Dubai
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About time
Finally, we are catching up with the practice all around the world. I like it!
From Mr Khalid Sabi
Sharjah
Who will be responsible?
A training session must be given to customers by the petrol station so they know how to prevent fire and explosions when using fuel hoses. Trained customers should have a safety certificate to show at the petrol station before they can fill their vehicle. The common man has never worked with a fuel hose or gasoline and could cause an injury. Who will be responsible for any injuries or damage?
From Mr Louie Tedesco
Dubai
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