September 3, 2008

Too hot to handle
I like the idea of self-service at petrol stations. However, it is quite odd when people say they do not like the idea of self-serving petrol. If they cannot step out of the car for a few minutes, claiming that it is too hot to handle, what about attendants who stay out for hours in the blazing sun? Can we not do it for a few minutes? That apart, I am a bit disappointed by the 'cash transactions only' system. It would be far more efficient if cards could be used instead.
From Mr Mir Faraz Al Deen
Ajman

Inform about change
This is in reference to the new radar cameras that do not flash. What happens if the speed limit changes on a stretch of road which one uses everyday? Most motorists would not realise it. Additionally, if a driver were fined for the same, he or she would not know until the time of annual car registration. By then, one would have been probably fined every day for up to a year. The police website does have this information, but are we expected to check the website every day?
From Mr Kelvyn D.
Dubai

A real pleasure
A big 'thank you' to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for speeding and completing the Arabian Ranches flyover. It is a huge relief for the residents of Arabian Ranches as it has made driving to and from our residences a real pleasure. From Ms Shanika C. Peiris
Dubai

Impossible
Recently, I read Gulf News's report on the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) initiative to launch more taxis. If the idea was to make commuting easier, then I am afraid the purpose has not been achieved. The other day, it took me more than an hour to hail a taxi in Deira. Empty taxis zoomed past me and did not bother to stop. Meanwhile, another passenger and I saw a taxi driver walk towards his parked taxi. When we approached him, he said he had some work to do and therefore couldn't take us. We were left stranded. Getting a taxi, in Dubai, is next to impossible.
From Ms Rajashree Varma
UAE

Easy access
Even if some people are cognisant about the environment-friendly benefits of organic clothing, they might be averse to the idea, as it is more expensive ("Going organic", Speak Your Mind, Gulf News, August 29). Additionally, organic clothing tends to have a lower glamour quotient owing to its poorer crease-resistance and more ironing requirements, as compared to synthetic wear. The solution would be to either subsidise the product or develop a process that can curb the end price and encourage more buyers.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai

Rising rent
Why don't the authorities address the rising costs of housing? Though there is a rule that regulates rents, some people just don't follow it. Earlier, I was able to afford a two-bedroom apartment, I now pay the same for a studio. I request the concerned authorities to kindly look into this matter.
From Mr Tarun Agarwal
Sharjah

Wrong instructions
I attended a driving test and the examiner failed me because while taking a U-turn, I kept the vehicle on the right side of the road before a stop line. The examiner insisted that I keep the vehicle on the left side of the road before the stop line, which is technically wrong. I argued with him and spoke to a Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) manager, who only asked me the number of times I had taken the road test. He refused to listen to my problem or to even see my Qatari driving licence. He simply told me to try and qualify next time.
From Mr Madhava Rao
Dubai

Editor's note: The complaint was forwarded to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for comments. However, despite repeated reminders, the RTA management failed to respond.

Investigate more
With due respect, I disagree with Gulf News's recent report that food prices are going down or have been subsidised ahead of Ramadan. A few days ago, I went shopping for groceries in Dubai and realised that the price of items, which I regularly shop for, was increased by Dh2.
From Mr Riaz Naimi
Dubai

Better visibility
Police need to be more visible and active in booking people who are breaking the law. Too many people get away with speeding and breaking traffic rules. There needs to be a more obvious presence of the police on the road, for booking people that break road rules. Besides this, the Dubai police are doing a good job.
From Ms Mary B.
Abu Dhabi

Make matters
The condition of any car depends on the distance travelled, the way it is driven, and above all the make ("UAE no place for old cars", Gulf News, August 30). The road-worthiness of the car can only be determined at the time of renewal, as is done at present. I appreciate the manner in which everything is moving fast towards technology and modernisation, but what about people who prefer to keep old cars or cannot afford to buy new ones? I request the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to provide some alternative solutions.
From Mr S. Ahmad
Sharjah

Painful parting
All properly maintained cars should be allowed. I have been using my car for the past seven years and have been regularly servicing it with authorised agents. This car has been a part of my family since day one. It will be painful to part with it once the new rule is enforced.
From Mr Jacob
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

New tests
Such rules wouldn't stop cars from breaking down or causing pollution. The authorities must implement new rules for testing vehicles. Perhaps a better and stronger check on vehicles that are more than 20 years old and a normal safety check on newer vehicles would help.
From Mr Zab
Melbourne, Australia
Website comment

Other reasons
I disagree that old cars cause accidents. Accidents occur mostly due to careless driving and over-speeding.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Implications
Has there been a study of the various implications that scrapping of so many vehicles can cause? The energy required in building a new vehicle and shipping it, far outweighs the impact of keeping an older vehicle on the road.
From Mr Alan
Abu Dhabi
Website comment

Road-worthy
What the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) could do is have a strict emission and safety test for old vehicles. I believe there are old cars out there that are still road-worthy.
From Mr Ian
Dubai
Website comment