Decent parking space
Though the increase in the number of taxis in Abu Dhabi has been helpful, it has created a new problem. A lot of taxis now park in residential areas, thereby causing great difficulty to residents looking for a decent parking space. Taxi companies should make parking arrangements for taxis and refrain them from using already scarce parking resources.
From Ms Bini Rajeev
Abu Dhabi
Health is priority
We often hear people complaining about the increase in medical costs. However, the same people are unwilling to put an end to their bad habits that could lead them to a doctor. Many do not want to quit smoking and some prefer using their money to buy mobile phones and cars. They should realise that luxury comes at a cost: good health. Despite being able to afford healthcare, most people complain that doctors charge more and are incompetent.
From Mr Saji Sreedharan Pillai
Dubai
Happy memories
I currently reside in the UK, but was a resident of the UAE with my husband and daughter for over 20 years ago. I would like to thank Gulf News for the photographs that are published in the newspaper. Additionally, I am a regular visitor of www.gulfnews.com, as it brings back many happy memories. Having visited Dubai several times since I moved, I have found the change and growth to be breathtaking. Please continue to publish more photographs of the UAE.
From Ms Elizabeth Wright
United Kingdom
Enraged
How long will Gulf News continue to provide a sounding board for the unpleasant columns of Amir Taheri ("Obama's foreign policy deal", Gulf News, September 3)? It is an admirable exercise in free speech to provide him with a platform. But surely the cost to intelligent readers in dental bills - caused by them grinding their teeth in rage - should be taken into consideration.
From Mr Luke Tuffin
Dubai
Flying fire
I implore motorists not to throw cigarette butts out of their cars, as they dirty our city's beautiful roads and could be a grave danger to fellow drivers. Recently, I had the misfortune of being subjected to a burning cigarette end. While I drove, the cigarette, undoubtedly abandoned by an irresponsible smoker, got sucked into my car and caused me great inconvenience.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai
Long queues
The traffic situation at Al Barsha is getting worse. Every time I drive down the road towards the area from Jebel Ali, I am faced with long traffic queues. The main problem, in areas such as these, is the side roads that connect to the main highway. Most people find these roads to be a convenient alternative and end up adding to the traffic congestion. I urge the authorities to stop motorists from using these roads, as using them not only causes delays, but results in accidents, too.
From Mr Zain Hussain
Dubai
No purpose
I do not understand the purpose of Salik. Have the tollgates really helped in the flow of traffic? I would think Salik did perhaps work in the beginning, when most vehicles did not have the required tags in place. However, once motorists began using Salik and preferred driving through roads that had tollgates, the traffic stopped moving smoothly. Could someone enlighten me as to why we needed Salik in the first place?
From Mr Alfred J. Rebello
Sharjah
Don't cruise
I agree with Ms Shezanne Qasim's letter, wherein she states that the fast lane is meant for overtaking vehicles and not for people who want to stick to the speed limit ("Too slow", Gulf News, September 2). Having driven in Switzerland before, I found that the average speed per car on the highway is well above what we see in Dubai. However, they have very few accidents, owing to exceptional driving etiquette, such as never occupying the fast lane for a period longer than necessary to overtake. It is extremely frustrating for drivers to see someone cruising on the fast lane on a six-lane highway.
From Mr Tuhin Jayasenan
Dubai
Just calm down
I think it is time for some clarification regarding the purpose of a fast lane. Some motorists think that everyone must abide by the speed limit and that aggressive behaviour violates such rules. Others believe that since they own fast cars, they are the only ones entitled to use fast lanes. Slower cars cause a road hazard by trying to manoeuvre in lanes where traffic tends to move faster. Personally, I think everyone should just calm down and be a little civil. Additionally, if anyone spots dangerous driving behaviour, it should be reported to the police.
From Ms Martha Pho Khir
USA
Work in progress
As a resident of Sharjah, I wonder why the authorities do not proceed with the road works in phases. The Cultural Square, commonly known as Quran roundabout, has been closed for a year and we see very little development going on in the area. Completing the road works in this location before moving on to the next phase would have made more sense. Additionally, road works could have been planned for the summer months, when most residents are on vacation, instead of when schools are reopening.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
No access
I would like to draw the attention of the authorities to a serious concern for most residents of Sharjah - lack of parking space. The number of vehicles on the roads is increasing every day, but there are insufficient parking areas to accommodate this growth. Residents find it difficult to park close to their homes after midnight. The authorities should consider finding satisfactory solutions. For instance, those who park wrongly must be fined, as they create problems for those who want to access their vehicles. I hope the authorities give high priority to this issue and create satisfactory solutions.
From Mr Tarek Munir
Sharjah
