Caught in a traffic camera
I was in Dubai when the first permanent speed camera was installed in Jumeirah. The use of mobile radars and speed cameras will have an effect only when the offending drivers begin to make a mature decision to respect other drivers. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should tow away vehicles that are double parked and those that are parked in zones reserved for the impaired and at exit points. Majority of the violators know all too well that there is no downside to violating traffic laws, apart from getting caught by a traffic camera, which unless you are from another planet, you know exactly where they are. I consider the use of fixed traffic cameras a safety hazard, as speeding drivers keep their vision skewed to the left instead of watching the traffic in front. From Mr Fred Donham
Dubai
Correct situations
It's a good initiative by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to have a mystery rider on public buses ("'Mystery rider' to check on Dubai bus drivers", Gulf News, July 9). However, the concept should have been introduced in taxis first. Not all, but most taxi drivers are rude. It's taxi drivers like these that ruin Dubai's image. They should be taught to respect passengers, especially women. The mystery rider could help correct that situation.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Set an example
A lot has been said on part of the authorities about solving traffic situations and educating the public about safe driving. However, the authorities need to set an example, too. The presence of police on busy roads ensures road discipline and smooth flow of traffic. There should be police presence at key spots during rush hours.
From Mr A. S. Khan
Dubai
Well deserved
I think it is necessary to double the minimum wage for housemaids. They are a big help to the families they work for. If a family cannot afford to pay the minimum wage then they should not hire domestic help in the first place. Housemaids and houseboys work very hard and deserve to earn well.
From Ms Madette De J.
Al Ain
No use
After driving in Qatar for more than two years, I moved to Dubai in April 2008. My most important concern now is getting a UAE driving licence. This has forced me to join a reputed driving school. My total investment so far has been Dh7,000, despite having a valid GCC licence.
From Mr Sasrik S. Vallath
Dubai
Not surprised
I am not the least bit surprised with the 30 per cent increase in school fees, as reported recently in Gulf News. In Oman, a circular has been issued prior to the closing of schools and the subsequent academic year. It informs parents of the decision to revise tuition fees. I don't expect a change in the quality of education provided with this revision. Regretfully there has not been enough change in the salary structure and benefits provided to teachers. Also the disparity between male and female teachers continues despite a hike in tuition fees.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Ruwi, Oman
By invitation only
Each time my credit card is swiped, the retailer retains a copy of the receipt that shows the complete credit card number. All that an unethical person has to do is use the three-digit 'control number' on the card for 'fraudulent' activities. This is no less than an invitation for committing card theft.
From Mr Aalok Aima
Dubai
Part of change
This is in response to the Speak Your Mind topic, published recently ("Morality and science," Gulf News, July 10). The surrogate womb concept has brought happiness to many families deprived of children of their own and is an important breakthrough for mankind. The concept must be considered a gift, as there is nothing unnatural about it. Man by instinct longs for continuity and the search for a surrogate womb is part of a larger scheme of things. As for morality, what is now unacceptable according to our 'ethics' could soon be part of our culture. If this argument were untrue, how is it that we now accept visiting a doctor for solving a problem of sterility? We are undergoing a change and must embrace it as long as it does no harm to anybody.
From Ms Rourrou Abdul Majid
UAE
What's the logic?
Presently, only vehicles tagged with Salik use the Al Garhoud Bridge. Vehicles without Salik either use the Al Maktoum Bridge or Floating Bridge, thereby causing these bridges to clog up with traffic. With the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) frantically setting up Salik tollgates all over the city, things will be back to square one with traffic jams in Garhoud. With no proper mode of mass transportation in place, people will continue to use their personal vehicles. So what is the real point of having Salik?
From Mr Khaleel Ebrahim S.
Dubai
A few more steps
I agree with Mr Ebrahim Farah's letter regarding animal welfare in Dubai ("Help animals," Gulf News, July 10). However, I put the brakes on my admiration when he said that once better, he would leave the dogs back where he found them. That would be a complete no, no. If Mr Farah does that, the dogs will die. While it is wonderful that he is making sure they get their medication, he must take responsibility to find homes for them or, unfortunately, put them to sleep so they don't starve and die of dehydration.
From Ms Sue Burch
Dubai
