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Dubai: Day one of Dubai's new toll system, Salik, brought mixed reactions, with some areas experiencing an easing in the flow of traffic and motorists in other locations reporting lengthy delays.
Motorists travelling into Dubai from Sharjah reported unusually clear roads, on both the tolled stretch of road as well as the alternative routes including Emirates Road and Business Bay Bridge.
However, areas around the Barsha toll gate saw long delays as some motorists tried to avoid the toll, by using alternative routes adjacent to Shaikh Zayed Road. Other motorists reported heavy traffic on Maktoum Bridge -the main artery used by motorists crossing Dubai Creek avoiding the Gar-houd toll gate.
Meanwhile, with road works underway on Al Ittihad Road, motorists travelling from Dubai to Sharjah reported delays as a result of the diversions, which were worsened by the effect of Salik.
Statement delayed
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) yesterday held back a statement intended for release on the first day of Salik. Speaking on condition of anonymity, an RTA spokesperson said they had observed that most motorists passing through the toll gates had Salik tags fixed to their windshields.
The official said they expected more tags to be purchased in the coming days, which will lead to less congestion on Al Maktoum Bridge, conceding that the system needed some getting used to.
Salik outlets yesterday reported high sales of tags, with one Emarat station reportedly selling over 1,000 yesterday.
However, motorists yesterday complained that the Salik hotline - 800 SALIK (72545) - was busy throughout the day. The RTA said the centre had received thousands of calls and urged people to keep trying the hotline.
- With additional inputs by Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporter
Your comments
Salik doesn't do anything at all because it just transfers the traffic jams to secondary and residential roads.
Mark
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 02, 2007, 16:41
I believe the poll results in Gulf News would be an eye opener for the RTA and thus they will realise that the majority is against their decision. I would also like to remind the RTA that the commuter community in the UAE is not just the users of Sheikh Zayed Road. I think the decision to implement Salik without planning the alternative routes is a big mistake.
Juneed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 02, 2007, 16:04
Well what is the point of using Salik? In the morning it is amazing, I reach work in 35 minutes but in the evening I'm stuck for an hour in traffic. And it takes me more than one-and-a-half hours to reach home. I guess it will really get worse once people return from vacation.
Mohammad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 02, 2007, 15:40
I have been using the Al Khail road for almost two years. It normally takes me only 45 minutes to reach Dubai Media City from Al Qussais, but yesterday the trip took me three hours.
Mohsin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 02, 2007, 10:23
I am amazed that traffic on Shaikh Zayed Road was as sparse as traffic on Fridays. I live in Al Qussais and it normally takes me at least an hour and 30 minutes to reach Jebel Ali, but today it took me just 30 minutes to get there. I am willing to pay Dh16 everyday to avoid mental stress and to save time!
Rashida
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 02, 2007, 10:09
There was a big traffic jam around the Mall of the Emirates yesterday heading towards Dubai at around 5pm. Yet another car accident on Shaikh Zayed Road backed cars up - the irony being that these drivers were all Salik holders and they had just passed through the Bashra toll gate.
Matthew
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 02, 2007, 09:46
Yesterday, I passed through the Salik gate at 6:30pm and waited in a traffic jam for two hours from Barsha all the way to the Greens where I live.
Aycan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 02, 2007, 09:41
Salik is good and we find Shaikh Zayed Road nearly empty, but the problem is the increased expenditure.
Manoj
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 02, 2007, 09:05
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