Creditable management
I have never paid any interest or fine for my seven credit cards. The key to maintenance is very simple - plan and utilise credit cards well, especially if you can redeem points and privileges.

Never make all credit card payments on the same date. Type out all the credit card details such as the card's statement and payment dates as against calendar dates. Before swiping a credit card, refer to the sheet for quick information.

This would help to know, which card provides maximum number of "interest free" days. If possible, break down the shopping expenses in small amounts, payable by different cards.

Thereby, even if making the entire/full payment for a card is not possible, the interest would be less. Lastly, set an alarm on mobiles for payment dates.
From Mr Mamindla Suresh
Abu Dhabi

Simple solution
The traffic problem between Dubai and Sharjah can be solved if the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) introduce 50-seater buses and charge a fare of Dh2 per ride. I hope the authorities concerned will start such a service.
From Mr Nanjundanathan Manoharan
Dubai

Good decision
Oman's decision to increase salaries of its public sector employees is good ("Salary hike for public sector staff", Gulf News, February 10). This would help both the public as well as the private sector to cope with the rising inflation. I hope other Gulf countries follow suit.
From Mr Rizwan Kazi
Sharjah

Expiry date for gas cylinders
The department of energy could adopt a very simple way to ensure cylinders are fit for use ("Gas companies 'deceive public', says RAK official", Gulf News, February 10). Just like water bottles have a production and expiry date, cylinders too should carry such information.

By this, the consumer can check and plan well in advance if a replacement is required, especially if one considers the fact that gas cylinders can be randomly or periodically inspected.
From Ms Shoula Al Masoud
Abu Dhabi

Reduce speed limit
As Dubai has expanded up to Jebel Ali, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should consider reducing the speed limit to 80kph on the stretch from Shaikh Zayed Road to Jebel Ali. If the speed limit is reduced, then motorists won't treat the road as a highway.

There are some heavy vehicle drivers who drive in the fast lanes, disregarding the law. Such offenders should be punished as their offence amounts to an attempt to murder. For all intentional offences that are fatal, the fine should be increased to Dh5,000.
From Mr Homer Stansilaus
Dubai

Not immune to cybercrime
To this date, it amazes me that all internet and cybercrimes are written about foreign individuals in foreign countries; an illusion that such crimes do not exist in the Middle East.

On the contrary with the growth of technology connected to the internet use, a resident in the Middle East is more vulnerable to fall victim to cybercrime than a citizen of a country where studies and awareness programmes are discussed and encouraged.

Reading about cybercrimes in our countries with solutions will have a positive impact on raising awareness on the issue.
From A Reader
USA
Name withheld by request


Keep truckers at bay
I have noticed that the road traffic tends to get worse and accidents increase, as soon as heavy-duty vehicles and trucks with containers enter the road. Such vehicles should be released from their ports only after 12pm every day. This would help reduce traffic jams in the morning hours in Sharjah.
From Mr A. Sharma
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request

Two spaces for one
As a resident of Al Nahda area in Sharjah, I've noticed a car in my building's premises that is always parked diagonally, thus occupying the space of two parking slots.

The car owner is obviously doing this in order to reserve the second slot for a friend or relative coming in late. This is an ongoing practice for the past one year.

I request the concerned authorities to kindly look into the matter, as this is unfair.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request

Salik gate near an exit
The Salik toll gate in Al Garhoud is placed just before an exit to the right. Here, I've noted that cars that do not have a Salik tag, take the right turn, each time causing a huge traffic jam. I don't understand the use of Salik in such a case.

Certain motorists, who drive four wheel drive vehicles, think that they rule the road. Most drivers do not follow the rules and regulations.

Such drivers not only drive recklessly but also create reasons for accidents by changing lanes or driving at a very high speed.
From Mr Shubhankan Mukherjee
Dubai

Reserved
It's too bad that golf has become so commercial, such that only the very rich get to see the games played. Tiger Woods is the greatest golf player of our times.

However, most people can watch him only if they can afford to pay for the exorbitantly priced tickets. I love golf and never miss a game played by Woods, but I cannot afford to pay for expensive tickets and instead have to make do with watching the sport on television. Is this game only meant for the elite?
From Mr Carl Rastella
UAE