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Dubai: Motorists are divided on whether Salik, Dubai's new road toll system, has been a success.
In a Gulf News poll, 52 per cent of readers said it has made the situation worse, 35 per cent said that it has made no difference and only 13 per said Salik had eased traffic.
Gulf News readers also responded to a statement by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) chief that Salik is a clear success. While some criticised the system, many others favoured it.
"Of course, Salik has really made a lot of difference, especially after those dividers were installed after Garhoud Bridge," said Mansour, a Gulf News reader.
Mahmoud from Abu Dhabi said it used to take him more than six hours to reach his home in Dubai from Abu Dhabi.
"But with Salik in place, I arrive home on time."
Rajmumar said: "There is no doubt about Salik being a success. Before Salik it used to take me two hours to reach Sharjah from Palm Jumeirah. Now I breeze off under 45 minutes. It is worth paying the toll and be with family early without any stress."
However, Keith, another reader, said it was clear Salik had made traffic congestion worse.
"Why direct traffic on to smaller roads not designed for the huge volume to make one [much larger] road slightly better? I have not yet met one person who believes Salik is a good idea."
Anthony from Dubai said: "Those who claim Salik is a clear success obviously don't live in Dubai. The traffic gets worse every day - Shaikh Zayed Road might be clear, but the other roads are just gridlocked."
Faris, another reader, said: "I think Salik has reduced traffic on Garhoud Bridge and at the 4th interchange but it has increased everywhere else... due to drivers avoiding Salik and taking alternative routes."
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director, earlier said Salik on Shaikh Zayed Road had helped improve traffic flow and was widely appreciated by people. He said it was one of the traffic techniques used globally to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Your comments
Salik is a success for RTA, because they earn extra revenue. Salik is a failure for motorists because it is causing more traffic problems and loss of money.
Anyway, congratulations to Gulf News for saying the truth about Salik.
Sujith
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 13, 2007, 08:56
Salik toll zone is now extended from 4th interchange till Sharjah border practically on Ittihad road. So we just have to wait and see when there will be a new toll gate at Sharjah border.
John
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 13, 2007, 08:55
I really appreciate the Salik. It has made traffic easy for everyone and specially for those who are living in Dubai. It is really worth paying Dh4 for using Al Garhoud Bridge. I want to thank RTA and Dubai govt. for launching this.
Mohd Shakil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 13, 2007, 08:51
I am a frequent user of Shaikh Zayed Road everyday. And I always avoid Salik toll gate. Middle income expatriates are the most affected by this Salik fee. Hope RTA can reduce the toll fee to a reasonable price that middle class can afford to pay.
Antonino
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 13, 2007, 08:45
Before commenting, please come out of your Salik route and drive on other routes as an exercise. Probably you may give a better opinion. The taxi driver's comments probably is more realistic. To make a small stretch of road clear, the inside roads are affected. Yes, most of the roads are badly affected because of Salik, diversions and constructions everywhere at the same time.
Danial
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 13, 2007, 08:44
Roads with much greater capacity are being underutilised. Only a handful of cars ply on the Garhoud Bridge at peak time, while adjacent roads are clogged. The RTA needs to seriously reconsider the current plan. Precious time is being lost in traffic.
Faraz
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 13, 2007, 08:39
Road tolls will only work if there are alternate modes of transportation. However, this is not the case yet in Dubai. Smaller roads are getting highly congested as motorists try to avoid the tolls.
Grace
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 13, 2007, 08:20
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