August 21, 2008

Treat as equals

In the debate about self-service at petrol stations, one issue seems to have been completely forgotten ("Self-service a step too far for some UAE drivers", Gulf News, August 17). Irrespective of how petrol actually gets pumped into the car, one should turn off their car's engine before the pump is activated. This is an internationally recognised safety procedure that should be adopted. As for women being exempted, I think it is high time we stop treating women as inadequate inferiors and treat them like the equals they are.
From Mr Mike Hynes
Dubai

Keep away

Here's a piece of advice to all motorists who complain about tailgating, flashing headlights or honking - please keep your car away from the fast lane. Fast lanes are supposed to be used for overtaking a vehicle. There are speed radars for checking on speeding motorists. Don't drive in the fast lane and you will have nothing to complain about.
From Mr Rizwan Kazi
Sharjah

An essential

What is Mr Kuldip Nayyar up to ("The siege within", Gulf News, August 15)? Having gone through a few articles of his, I have observed that he has a habit of getting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a political party in India, into the scene, irrespective of whether the report is about a nuclear deal, Kashmir or the price rise. As a reader, I expect journalists to be neutral and provide the right news, after it has been thoroughly investigated.
From Mr Satish Mayya
Dubai

Not amusing

This is in response to Mr J. McDonald's letter, wherein he talks about taxi drivers that get personal with customers ("Still in them", Gulf News, August 16). I had a bad experience, recently. It may be fine with Mr McDonald if a taxi driver asks him personal questions since he is a male. However, it is very offensive when the taxi driver wants to know my marital status, where my husband works, how many children I have; or better yet, if I don't, the reasons behind it. Then he asked whether I use birth control. Does Mr J. McDonald still find this amusing?
From Ms Leena Samuel
Dubai

The bright side

We need to make some sacrifices beacause of the closure of Al Wahda road ("Coping without Al Wahda", Gulf News, August 18). Two years is nothing if one thinks about the bright side. Once completed, the road would be of great help to all motorists. Let's stop complaining, even though traffic is really bad nowadays. Whatever is being done is eventually for our own good.
From Mr Poldo
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request

Vacate, please

The money being spent on filling up the divider with sand to prevent people from crossing the Dubai-Sharjah road could have been used to build an overhead pedestrian bridge instead. Since the closure of Al Wahda road, more people are forced to use the internal roads leading to Abu Shagara, causing more congestion. Additionally, the Abu Shagara area is filled with used cars, which makes it worse. I request the authorities to relocate the used cars from this area to ease the flow of vehicular movement.
From Ms Menezes Prabhu N.C.
Dubai

A free road

With regards to the transportation system in Dubai, I think the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should have a separate lane dedicated only for buses, police cars and any other emergency vehicles. I believe this would help reduce traffic to a great extent.
From Mr Qutub Al Deen
Dubai

Safety first

I express my concern about the increasing number of deaths caused by road accidents. I urge the authorities to permit only those vehicles that have full safety and security features. It would also help to educate motorists about safety measures. From Mr Noor Mohammad
Abu Dhabi

Proper markings

Though traffic rules are tougher these days, it's not enough. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should make sure that road lanes in all emirates are properly marked. Due to the invisibility of lane markings, many drivers are confused and this leads to them being fined. Insufficient lighting at pedestrian crossings is another cause of accidents.
From Mr Biju John
Dubai

Clear maps

I travel by bus on a regular basis. Almost every day, there are quarrels between the driver and passengers regarding the bus stop for specific routes. I suggest that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) fix a clear and readable map at all bus stops and stations for passengers to know where they can alight.
From Mr Jerry Alex
Sharjah

Additional stop

Buses going from Sharjah to Dubai pass through Karama until Al Garhoud area, with no stops in between. Providing a bus stop at Al Ittihad Road would be very helpful for commuters.
From Ms Sudha
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request

Give it for free

I am a regular reader of Gulf News and I appreciate the attention the newspaper gives to those who are facing difficulties in acquiring a driving licence. I would like to request the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to consider giving free classes to people who have done more than a certain amount of classes or have paid more than Dh5,000 in trying to acquire a licence.
From Mr Abhinav
UAE
Full name withheld by request