Dubai: Faced with increasing public criticism, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) officials yesterday strongly defended the new road toll system 'Salik' and said it would generate annual revenues of Dh600 million.
"The system is not new and implemented in many countries. We didn't invent it," said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, during an open discussion with the media at the Authority's headquarters.
He dismissed criticism by the public saying that "people are not traffic experts" and the RTA officials are responsible for developing the infrastructure.
Al Tayer said one reason behind implementing the toll system is to reduce traffic congestion which costs Dubai at least Dh4.6 billion every year.
The toll system will reduce traffic jams, encourage car pooling and generate additional revenue, he said.
"The UAE is the cheapest place to buy a car and the rate of increase in the number of cars in Dubai is 17 per cent every year," he said, adding that 100,000 vehicles are expected to pass through the gates in each direction daily.
No exemption
He said all visitors, including tourists from the Gulf and other emirates, will have to buy Salik tags. However, if tourists wish to rent a car, the car will already have the tag. The tourist will have to pay the cost to the car rental agency.
All visitors to Dubai will also be handed an information booklet about Salik at all border points and at the airport at the time their passports are stamped.
"We are doing this to avoid claims by the visitors who may say they have no idea about it, in case they pass through the gates and get a fine," he said.
Maximum fine
He said passing through the toll gates for one year without a Salik tag will lead to a maximum fine of Dh10,000.
The RTA, which has specified the tag's location on all vehicles, failed to specify where motorbikes will have the tags.
"Motorbikes are not exempt from the toll. However, those with a windshield can put the tag on it. As for the others we are still studying how to overcome the problem," Al Tayer said.
