Letters to the Editor

Could be a billionaire
[Based on] the sheer amount of [scam] calls, text messages and emails I have received, I ought to be a multi-billionaire by now ("Abu Dhabi Police call for cooperation to thwart call scams", Gulf News, December 13). Everything from UK prize draws [through mobile], a mysterious email telling me I had won $30 million (Dh110 million) in a global lottery and bogus "inheritance" claims. I apparently have long lost relatives in South Africa who have died and conveniently left no will. While good sense tells me to ignore such calls or messages, what does frighten me is how these scammers got hold of my details in the first place! I am not on any social networking website and do not give my contact details on customer surveys or any other information gathering hubs. That's what people really need to watch out for — scammers and sneak thieves are becoming ever more inventive and prolific and people really need to guard their personal details as well as the contents of their wallets.
From Ms Sarah Louise
Dubai
Website comment

Speed limits
The road that runs parallel to University City in Sharjah is more like a race track than a normal road ("Campaign launched to reduce road crashes in Sharjah", Gulf News, December 13). There are no radars in that area because some people drive at impossibly crazy speeds. The road also shows the number of skid marks where young drivers try to do their stunts. I wish Sharjah Police would install radars on that stretch of road so that the road users drive at a maximum legal speed of 60 kilometres per hour and not double or triple of that.
From Mr Karthik
Sharjah
Website comment

Fines for passengers
I am a regular Dubai Metro user and I do not blame the authorities for fining people for consuming food and beverages on board the train ("Dubai Metro allows food parcels", Gulf News, December 12). But, they should be reasonable in doing so. Imagine people walking to the Metro in the summer and not being able to drink water. The Metro stations can have a designated area where people are allowed to consume food and beverages in an emergency. But, overall I support the idea that the mass transport system should remain clean and healthy for the commuters.
From Mr Franklin
 Dubai
Website comment

Food on a train
I am now a regular [user] of the Dubai Metro. I can totally understand fining [passengers] for chewing gum as people can leave it on or under the seats after consuming it on the train. But, fining people for food parcels or for their lunch box is a bit odd. The fact that food parcels are allowed on the Metro needs to be communicated to both the inspectors as well as the public to ensure clean and healthy surroundings.
From Ms Savitha V.
Sharjah
Website comment

Clean-up drives
Initiatives like clean-up campaigns will definitely encourage people to keep the UAE clean ("Volunteer army masses against avoidable pollution", Gulf News, December 12). But, it should not be restricted to just one particular day. I am very proud to have taken part in the cleanup drive organised by the EEG [Emirates Environmental Group] on December 12. In spite of it being on a Sunday, it was good to see a number of schools and companies participating in the event. My school itself had more than 50 students participating.

It is good to see that people are being more responsible towards keeping our surroundings clean. Schools should be actively involved in environmental activities and I believe it is children who will be able to spread the awareness much more effectively. Recycling bins should be installed in schools. We celebrated a ‘paperless day' in school a few months back where we refrained from doing paper work as much as possible.

We are also actively involved in the can collection and mobile recycling campaigns. It might be a little difficult, but people should try and limit the use of plastic bags. It takes minimum effort and time to consciously work towards keeping the environment clean, but the results would be long lasting as in the end we are sure to have a better tomorrow!
From Mr Vaishnav Rajkumar
Dubai

Tough competition
I have taken a test drive of the [low-budget car] ("Low-budget Chinese car hits the road in the UAE", Gulf News, December 13). It is unbelievable! It has lots of safety features. I am sure this will give a tough time to other car makers in the coming days, especially with the price bracket it has come in.
From Ms Charms
Dubai
Website comment

Performance
It is wonderful to get such a low cost car with comparatively more facilities than its opponents in the same segment. Only thing is, the performance is yet to be proved on Dubai roads. But, the car looks cute.
From Mr Manoj Kumar
Dubai
Website comment

 Editor's note: To voice your views, log on to gulfnews.com or write to: readers@gulfnews.com