June 1, 2008

What is achieved?
What part of Salik is part of an integrated solution ("Two new Salik gates in Dubai", May 28, Gulf News)?

There are no viable alternatives to get people off the roads just yet.

The Metro and tram systems are not ready and all Salik is doing is creating dangerous traffic bottlenecks elsewhere.

How could that possibly be seen as safe or as an integrated approach?
From Ms Jane
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

No trust
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has broken its promise of not installing any more Salik gates until the Metro is launched.

This proves we cannot trust the RTA at all now. It's really disappointing!
From Mr Ali
Dubai

Increased burden
Salik was intended to be a congestion relief measure. Now it is patently clear, with the latest announcement, that this is nothing but a senseless tactic that makes a mockery of common sense and adds another burden on the working public
From Mr C. Sabapathy
Dubai

Good idea
I think the idea of new tollgates is great. I am sick and tired of people who don't want to pay Dh4 for Salik.

Instead, they clog up the side roads around Al Barsha and other areas.

And for all those complaining, if people pass through two gates in a row you only pay Dh4, and you cannot be charged more than Dh24 a day. Good job RTA!
From Mr Jalal
Dubai

Reduce charge
Motorists are not utilising Al Garhoud Bridge's expansive lanes as fully as they could. The consequence is that the Floating Bridge and Al Maktoum Bridge are always congested.

I believe it is all due to the Salik tollgate on Al Garhoud Bridge. Almost all drivers do not want to pay for their journey to and from Dubai.

A solution would be to reduce the toll fee from Dh4 to Dh1, as it would not only come as a relief to motorists but would also help distribute traffic evenly across various routes.
From Mr Vijay Mayekar
Dubai

Live somewhere cheaper
It is more cost effective to live in Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah and even hire a driver to get to work in Dubai than pay the high rents and tolls, too
From Ms Kavitha
Sharjah

Taxi charge
If the maximum charge per day is Dh24, then how do taxis still charge passengers every time they pass through a tollgate?

Surely a taxi would clock up his Dh24 within the first few hours of the day, yet they still charge well into the evening. From Mr Karl
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

No alternatives
There are two issues with Salik. It has been introduced without any viable public transportation alternative such as the Metro. It has choked up the alternative routes.

For example, the roads in Al Barsha are clogged because of Salik. It sometimes takes up to 45 minutes to get to Shaikh Zayed Road because of the heavy traffic in and around the Greens.

The traffic problems have only got worse.
From Mr Askari
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Give us a sign
We met with a car accident in Abu Dhabi because of faded road signs and missing signboards at a main junction.

Thankfully, we escaped with minimum injuries. It seems most of the city's inner streets do not have proper markings and directional signboards.

In order to avoid further accidents in the future, I request the concerned authorities to ensure the problem is corrected.
From Mr Abdul Khader
Dubai

Weakest link
I greatly appreciate the recent reports in Gulf News on traffic in Dubai and found them to be insightful.

The RTA has failed to bring about significant improvements, even after repeated promises.

The core problem seems to be a persistent unwillingness to link new residential developments with a sustained and efficient road plan.
From Ms Jan Newton
Abu Dhabi

Penalty not enough
Gulf News' report about worms found in chocolates in Ras Al Khaimah is cause for concern about public health ("Chocolates with worms seized from Ras Al Khaimah shop", Gulf News, May 26).

Such horrible discoveries also relate to consumer complaints about expired food items and beverages in supermarkets and restaurants.

Once a complaint is lodged, authorities usually fine the offenders and allow them to resume their business. Is this sufficient penalty for risking the health of customers?
From Ms Eliza Bindu
Dubai

Small price to pay
It is unfair that the shop selling worm-infested chocolates was let off after paying a small fine. This lenient action will not help discourage other shops from indulging in similar practices.

As the fine is quite small, shop owners know they will not have to bear hefty consequences if such an incident occurs on their premises.

I think offending shops should be shut down permanently in order to caution others who are careless with the quality of their food items.
From Mr Hari Prasad Rao
Dubai

Not for children
Several cinemas in the UAE do not adhere to the policy of prohibiting minors from watching movies that are rated for an older audience.

I have often come across children as young as three years old watching movies that are not suitable for their age.

Not only are they subjected to loud sounds and violent themes that they cannot understand, in most cases their parents do not take the time to explain it to their children.
From Mr Felix Sabiniano
Abu Dhabi