RTA denies Salik expansion

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Salik was launched July 1 in a bid to ease traffic flows along Sheikh Zayed Road and over Garhoud Bridge. (Getty Images)

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) today denied speculation that it is planning to add more toll gates on the emirate’s roads.

“There have been rumours about a second phase of the road toll tax, but the RTA is not planning to add any more road tolls in Dubai,” an RTA spokesperson told ArabianBusiness.com.

Reports claims that the authority has started work on new toll gates at eight locations in Dubai, including Shindagha Tunnel, Maktoum Bridge, Floating Bridge, Emirates Road, Al-Khail Road, Nad Al-Hamar Road and Business Bay crossing, according to Saudi daily Arab News.

The RTA labelled the reports “inaccurate”.

Since the launch the RTA’s first road toll, Salik, speculation has been rife that the authority is planning to expand the scheme in other areas of Dubai.

Salik was launched July 1 in a bid to ease traffic flows along Sheikh Zayed Road and over Garhoud Bridge.

However, the scheme has been heavily criticised for making congestion even worse in other areas of Dubai, especially around Deira and Bur Dubai, as motorists take alternative routes to avoid paying the toll.

Drivers have to pay 4 dirhams ($1.1) each time they pass through the toll gates located on Garhoud Bridge and Sheikh Zayed Road next to Mall of the Emirates.

The RTA is also taking steps to reduce gridlock on Emirates Road, which runs along the outskirts of the city.

The authority announced on Tuesday it had completed the first phase of a project to widening the road from three to six lines in each direction.

The new road is set to be open to drivers as of August 31.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Salik well timed
Posted by Adip on Wednesday 29 August 2007 at 22:00 UAE time

Not surprised at the situation on Garhoud bridge. The launch of Salik was well timed to coincide with school holidays. Now that schools are re-opening you will see the real effect.

Salik Aint Working
Posted by Mohsin, Dubai, U.A.E on Wednesday 29 August 2007 at 12:00 UAE time

RTA having denied the rumour could be another way to ease the tension. I spoke to 4 Dubai taxi drivers and they have said that in the next 3 years, 70 toll gates will be installed and the taxi drivers are under the RTA.

Well, the Salik toll on the Garhoud Bridge is of no use because the usual traffic that used to see before the installation of SALIK is back.

I don't know about Al Barsha but Al Garhoud bridge during peak time is the same it was before July 1st.

Making roads clear
Posted by Michael, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 29 August 2007 at 11:00 UAE time

By installing gates on the Sheikh Zayed road, particularly in Barsha, all the RTA has managed to do is forced huge numbers of drivers on alternative roads around the gates, creating havoc on SZR and failing to make it 'clear'.

The logical thing to do would be to install smaller gates at ALL entry and exit points on SZR and calculate a fee based on the distance used.

There wouldn't be this business of avoiding the gate and be fairer on all users of the SZR.

EXTENSION OF SALIK
Posted by Trevor De Sousa, DUBAI, UAE on Wednesday 29 August 2007 at 08:00 UAE time

RTA has done well in timely dispelling all rumours regarding extension of salik to other locations.

The residents of Dubai are reeling under the cost spiral and Salik has been one of the contributory factors.

Traders, businesses have raised the prices of commodities and services during the past two months citing the daily toll they have to pay thereby fueling the cost further and passing on the burden to the customers.

The prime purpose for the introduction of SALIK was to ease traffic on the arterial Skeikh Zayed road and not as a revenue generating mechanism.

This objective would be lost if RTA imposes Salik on alternate roads and instead draw Flak from all segments of society.

RTA should therfore act in a constructive manner and desist any idea of further extending the system as it would definitely have adverse consequences on the economy, residents and quality of life. 

RTA has done well an acted in a positive and constructive manner by nipping the rumours in the bud thereby enabling the motorists heave a sigh of relief.

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