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Dubai: Motorists are sceptical that the toll system will solve traffic problems and have demanded that it be delayed until all the current road projects are completed and the Dubai Metro starts operating.
Officials at the Roads and Transport Authority say that it would help reduce traffic on Shaikh Zayed Road, one of the most congested highways in the city, and encourage motorists to use alternate routes.
But motorists say that alterative routes, suggested by the RTA, are already congested and they already face long delays on these roads because of the various ongoing road projects.
"I have tried alternate routes such as Emirates Road, Al Wasl, Al Khail, Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Shindagha Tunnel, but they are all choked during peak hours," said Abdullah Kazim, a UAE resident, who commutes between Al Ghusais and Jebel Ali every day.
"I am wondering what will happen when the toll system begins on Shaikh Zayed Road from July. I am sure thousands of motorists will be using the alternate routes to avoid the toll, making the situation even worse," he said.
Kazim suggested that toll system should be delayed until the roads projects are over and the Dubai Metro starts operation.
Salman Shaikh, a Pakistan salesman, said that it was already difficult to use any alternate route because most of them are congested.
"I think, authorities should wait for Dubai Metro to start to have a decent public transport system in place before deterring motorists from using their cars," he suggested.
Alternative
A number of other motorists, who spoke to Gulf News, also expressed concern about enforcing the toll system even before the major projects are completed.
The toll system called 'Salik' will begin in July 2007, with initial toll points at Al Garhoud Bridge and at the Fourth Interchange near Mall of the Emirates on Shaikh Zayed Road. Motorists will be charged Dh4 every time they pass through a toll gate.
A Gulf News survey revealed that road works are going on the alternate route suggested by the RTA to avoid toll.
Al Garhoud Bridge, where toll gates are planned, are currently congested because a new bridge is under construction. New Al Garhoud Bridge is scheduled to open in March next year.
The RTA also suggested Business Bay Bridge as alternative route but a major part of the Business Bay Crossing Project - from Business Bridge to Ist Interchange on Shaikh Zayed Road - is still under construction.
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