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Dubai: Motorists have been wondering why they have to pay Salik charges when Al Garhoud Bridge is clogged with vehicles.
Gulf News talked to a number of motorists using Salik gates after they complained that they get stuck in traffic even after paying the toll.
Motorists said that since the beginning of Ramadan, traffic congestion has increased especially during afternoon rush hours while going towards Deira.
"Every day, I get stuck in traffic before Al Garhoud Bridge as the tailback stretches to the Wafi centre interchange," said Khamis, a UAE national. He said he does not understand why he has to pay Salik charges if the road is not clear of traffic.
Fahim Shah, a Pakistani engineer, said other roads are bad as well. "While travelling from Jebel Ali, I face delays between the fifth and fourth interchanges, then near the first interchange before I get stuck in traffic again near Dubai World Trade Centre roundabout," he said.
"The travelling time between Bur Dubai and Deira is the same whether you use a Salik road or alternative road," said another motorist.
He said people travelling from Dubai to Sharjah have an easier journey if they use the Salik gate on Al Garhoud bridge but those going to Deira, use the same bridge and get stuck in traffic for hours because of the road diversions and dividers," said Faraz Ali, a salesman. He suggested that Salik should be postponed until the new Al Garhoud Bridge is ready and other road construction projects are completed on alternate routes.
When contacted, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) did not comment about the growing traffic on the Salik controlled road.
However, an official said that the massive increase in the number of Salik users might have resulted in a bit of traffic congestion. Also, he noted the changing working hours during Ramadan could be the cause of the traffic congestion.
Have your say
How has Salik impacted your commuting time? Has it made you use your car less often? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the comments form below.
Your comments
By blocking all roads into and out of Jebel Ali to Sharjah, the RTA has encouraged people to keep purchasing Salik; giving an impression that the road will be clear all the way. But it has only encouraged more traffic jams.
Karkain
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 21, 2007, 08:03
Salik is a complete waste of money for the tag itself and on petrol consumption because of traffic jams.
Karim
Dubai,U.A.E
Posted: September 21, 2007, 07:34
I do not understand why we pay toll charges to get struck in a traffic jam. The RTA has to come up with some solution if they are charging motorists.
Shakhir
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 21, 2007, 04:07
Traffic congestion has, in fact, worsened since Salik. Salik needs to be cancelled. What will we be charged for next?
Nicola
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 21, 2007, 03:54
The whole idea behind Salik is to ease the traffic congestion in Dubai. But even this has failed. Salik must be discontinued.
Sayed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 21, 2007, 02:33
Salik should be postponed until the new bridge in Garhoud is completed or there should be discounted toll charges between certain timings, for example 3pm to 6pm on Garhoud Bridge.
Saeed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 21, 2007, 02:25
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