Toll ceiling set at Dh24 a day

Dubai: Motorists will be charged a maximum of Dh24 a day for using toll roads, Gulf News has learnt.

The first phase of Dubai's toll system, Salik, will come into effect on July 1. Motorists will have to pay Dh4 each time they pass a toll gate, but the maximum charge per day per car using toll roads will be Dh24.

There will be two toll gates, one on Al Garhoud Bridge and the other on the Fourth Interchange (near Mall of the Emirates) on Shaikh Zayed Road. Motorists will be charged as they pass the toll gates.

Salik in Arabic means clear and the word has been chosen as the brand name for the toll system because it aims to ensure smooth traffic flow.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said the main aim of introducing Salik is to reduce congestion and better traffic management on Shaikh Zayed Road, one of the most crowded highways in the city, and to make motorists use alternate routes and other modes of transportation.

Motorists using parts of the roads between the toll gates will not be charged unless they pass a toll gate.

Salik kits comprising prepaid cards will go on sale from June 15 at all petrol stations, shopping centres and vehicle registration offices.

It will cost Dh100 for first time buyers including the Dh50 card fee and Dh50 credit. Motorists will be able to recharge cards. It will be delivered to customers on request and can also be ordered or recharged online. Motorists using the card will be informed at least three times through SMS if they run out of credit in their cards.

How does Salik work?

Motorists will not have to stop to pay the toll. They will have to purchase pre-paid cards and fix machine-readable stickers on the car windscreens. Toll charges will be deducted from their cards every time they pass under the electronic gates fitted withscanners. One sticker cab be used only for one car.

Fines

• Failure to display the card on vehicles - Dh100
• Repeat of same offence - Dh200
• Third time same offence - Dh400
• Insufficient credit in the card - Dh50
• Manipulation or cheating - Dh10,000
• Delay in paying fines (per month) - Dh10
• Use of tariff gates by unauthorised vehicles - Dh100

Tariff

• All types of vehicles - Dh4
• Card and subscription - Dh50
• Card replacement fee - Dh50
• Card cancellation fee - Dh10
• Transfer of card - Dh50

It seems to be a decision taken to ease traffic congestion in the business area, however, it would be more appropriate if the toll was applicable in peak traffic hours only. Off peak hours and holidays should be exempt from the toll, so that people can access the road during non-peak traffic hours.
Ramana
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

The purpose of expanding Garhoud Bridge suddenly sounds pointless as a lot of the traffic will try to avoid it!
Ikram
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

Wow, there is nowhere like Dubai in the world.
Rajesh
Ahmedabad,India
Posted:

It's just another way of asking for money. The traffic flow won't be reduced. People will be forced to avoid the routes and to compromise. It would be better if other alternatives were introduced.
Adnan
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

It may reduce the traffic congestion on Sheikh Zayed road but the charges should only be applied during peak hours.
Hussaini
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

I think the traffic will be more congested especially because people will try to take a detour before the tollgate and come back to Sheikh Zayed Road again in order to avoid the toll.
Shuhaib
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

This thing is getting too much now. I think we are here just to pay not to save.
Amjad
Sharjah,UAE
Posted:

Hope toll system works, however it should only be started after the Metro starts so people will have some sort of alternative as they can use the Metro and keep their cars at home.
Nazeer
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

At least motor bikes should spared from paying this much! Or make it minimal for them.
Aziz
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

I am pleased. Finally a fair system to combat traffic congestion will be put in place. This measure should have been taken long ago. It's never too late!!!!!
Renu
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

Indeed Salik can help to regulate traffic though it will be a hammering to normal motorists... Let's hope for the best.
Kumar
Dubai,UAE
Posted:

Dubai is getting more and more expensive. There are many people who can't afford this. It's not fair.
Hussein
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: