Combine effort for solution
There is no point in talking about traffic issues unless people from all emirates join in and sort it out. High rents make it mandatory for a majority of residents to live in one emirate and travel to the other for work. Why cannot big establishments establish branches in Sharjah and employ the Sharjah and Ajman residents there? Certain schools and establishments should follow suit and cater to students residing in those areas, without compromising on the standard and quality of education. The public transport network in most countries is extensive. Hence, the traffic congestion is greatly reduced and fewer accidents take place. Alternate work timings would help a great deal, too, as there would be fewer cars on the roads and thereby stress-free driving.
From Dr Minal Patwardhan
Sharjah
New rules
When I watched Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic US Presidential candidate, speaking to the American people and informing them about his family background, I was convinced more than ever that man-made rules and regulations have created all the problems that exist in the world today - not colour or religion. A new set of rules to bind all human beings, irrespective of their national boundaries, should be implemented. Perhaps that would be an answer to all problems.
From Mr A. S. Sebastian
Dubai
No consideration
It is not rare to see drivers jump queues by cutting in at the end of a busy line, at most Dubai and Sharjah exit or entry points. Such motorists have no consideration for those who abide by the law and patiently wait for their turn. I suggest that such violators be caught on camera, as most mobile phones today have this feature. If the authorities accept such pictures and are willing to issue fines on this basis, it would help do away with lane jumping or breaking traffic rules. If implemented, this would at least alert any motorist who might consider breaking traffic rules.
From Mr Maxwell Felix
Dubai
Hope for traffic
Most commuters who are stuck in traffic have no option but to listen to music or take a nap. The authorities are aware of this situation and are taking steps to combat the problem of traffic jams in Dubai. The launch of the Metro is one such initiative. Hopefully, once completed, the project will help reduce traffic to a great extent.
From Mr Mohammad Khan
Dubai
Annoyed
I get annoyed with minibus drivers that drive recklessly ("Minibus accidents claim 10 lives in Dubai this year", Gulf News, July 26). A few days ago, while driving in Al Garhoud, a minibus driver suddenly appeared behind my car and started flashing his vehicle's headlights, thereby forcing me to speed up while entering the main road. He then overtook my car and made a sharp turn towards the far side of the road. If that weren't enough, he even resorted to yelling at me. I think it is the responsibility of the media to inform the public about all types of traffic regulations and violations.
From Mr N. V. Raju
Sharjah
Applicable to all
Besides imposing a fine of Dh2,000 and slapping 12 black points, the authorities should suspend the driving licence of motorists who drive recklessly for at least three to six months. Some drivers are extremely dangerous. They speed and change lanes without the use of indicators. The rules must be applicable to all and not only for minibus drivers.
From Mr Joe
UAE
Full name withheld by request
No reserved lanes
Soon the Salik toll gates near Al Maktoum Bridge and Al Safa Park will become operational and yet, there are no designated lanes - similar to the ones leading to and from Al Garhoud Bridge - assigned for these routes. I think it is only fair that if we are paying to cross a Salik toll gate, then there should be lanes reserved for the same. Additionally, the roads leading to and from the Business Bay Bridge, behind Al Wasl hospital, are very narrow. It would be appreciated if the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) could construct a highway with five lanes linking it to the roads leading to Oud Metha Street.
From Ms Behin Ardakani
Dubai
Misbehaved
Recently, my friends and I had reserved tickets to watch a movie at a popular cinema in Dubai. On receiving the tickets, we requested the counter staff to seat us together as the seating arrangement was otherwise. When we entered the cinema, we observed that someone else had occupied our seats. The same counter staff confessed that it was a system error but refused to give us any other seats. We were given the money back without even an apology. He was so rude that we just walked out of the cinema after taking our money. I hope the mall authorities train their staff to behave in a more courteous manner.
From Mr Navin Leeladhar
Dubai
More subways
There is a need for subways in some of the main streets of Abu Dhabi, such as the Airport Road, Muroor Road near Khalidiya mall, and many other places. A lack of subways forces pedestrians to cross roads from non-designated areas. Currently, pedestrians have to walk from one end of the road to the signal, which is quite far, to cross the roads. We hope the authorities will consider this issue and take necessary action.
From Ms Rathi V.
Abu Dhabi
Cherished memory
I never cease to be amazed by the way His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reaches out to his people ("Mohammad gives dream home to aged couple", Gulf News, June 28). I still remember the time I shook his hand and regret not taking a picture with him. It surely is a memory I will always remember and cherish.
From Ms Corazon Tarcena
Dubai
Encourage bus use
I have been a regular reader of Gulf News for the past five years and I would like to express my opinion about a recent report that was published on bus services in the Capital ("Abu Dhabi residents happy with new bus service", Gulf News, June 30). A special bus for women and children during office peak hours would encourage greater use of public transport.
From Mr P. Murugesan
Abu Dhabi
Alternatives please
Instead of the continuous expansion of roads, simple urban transportation planning solutions, such as ferries from Ajman all the way to Jebel Ali, would help solve the existing traffic problems. There should be more focus on convenient methods of reducing the number of cars on the roads.
From a Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Fuel for bikes
I am a motor sport enthusiast and one of the many quad bike riders in Dubai ("Petrol stations in Dubai to stop filling up quad bikes",Gulf News, June 29). Yet, I never ride my quad bike in the city's roads, as it is poses a risk to my life and the lives of others. However, during the winter season, I often go with friends to the desert for off-road biking. With the newly established rules prohibiting quad bikes from filling up at petrol stations, what will happen to people like me?
From Mr Piotr Wieczorek
Dubai
Too late
People should have been warned about investing in properties a long time ago ("Rera advises Dubai property investors: Don't get duped by ads", Gulf News, June 23). Why did the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (Rera) let developers make such elaborate promises to potential property-buyers in the first place? It is too late to warn them now. If they think the real estate sector in Dubai is too well established to sustain such a blow, they are wrong.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Not enough credit
I received two Salik fines even though I have not crossed a Salik gate till date. I was a bit worried after reading and hearing about discrepancies with Salik and the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) delayed responses when solving disputes. However, after lodging a complaint to the RTA through their e-complain system, I got my issue resolved in only four days. I thank the RTA for their timely response. I think they are doing a much better job than what many people give them credit for.
From Mr Ranjith P.
Dubai
Hunt is inhumane
I attended the recent crab-hunting event and was completely appalled ("UAE crab hunting craze", Gulf News, June 21). The poor creatures are stunned by the torches and have no chance of running away, so it is really not hunting at all. The worst thing is that there was no differentiating between juvenile crabs, or those that had egg sacks and those that did not. Basically, anything that moved was stabbed and most were not even eaten later. I would like to see such 'hunting' stopped. I cannot imagine how the crab population will survive after so many scheduled hunts.
From a Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
All angles
Man has yet again proven to be technologically advanced ("Dubai to get firm's first rotating tower", Gulf News, June 25). Still, have we looked at the issue from every possible angle? For example, have we considered the environment and the bad effects these developments might have on the ecosystem? Plenty of electricity and water is used in these developments. In fact, a tower that revolves would definitely consume more electricity than a normal tower.
From Mr Trevor D'silva
Abu Dhabi
Sharjah struggles
I am one of the unfortunate motorists who are always stuck in Sharjah traffic and who suffer while trying to find a suitable parking space every day. I think Sharjah Police could do a much better job when it comes to these issues.
From Mr Ajish Nair
Sharjah
Unbelievable
People want to live in the UAE for without having to pay taxes and enjoy all the benefits ("Salik: A fine system gone completely wrong?", Gulf News, June 25). While they do not hesitate to shell out thousands for a luxurious lifestyle, they complain about the Dh4 they have to pay for Salik. It is unbelievable. If paying Dh24 can ease traffic, I am all for it.
From Ms Mariam Mohammad
Dubai
Campaign needed
It is a novel idea to ban high-fat foods in school cafeterias ("Ministry to ban high-fat snacks at UAE school canteens", Gulf News, June 25). Still, will it help in any way when the same children consume such food outside along with their families and friends? Authorities should launch a countrywide awareness campaign and encourage people to reduce their dependence on such foods.
From Mr Ashok Mathew
Dubai
