Dubai’s transport authority continues to remain tight-lipped over a report it is planning a massive expansion of the controversial Salik road toll scheme.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has been bombarded with enquires from the media over the last couple of days, but has repeatedly refused to comment on the report, which quotes an unnamed RTA official saying chairman Mattar Al Tayer has requested a full report on a possible second phase of Salik.
A spokesperson for the RTA told ArabianBusiness.com on Wednesday that the authority would not be issuing any statement over the article’s claims.
A UAE Arabic newspaper reported earlier this week that the RTA is “conducting a study to put toll gates on other new roads in Dubai”.
The article also states that toll gates could be placed on Maktoum Bridge, Shindagha Tunnel, Business Bay Bridge and the Floating Bridge.
It is not the first time reports of an expansion of the Salik scheme have surfaced.
In August Saudi daily Arab News reported that the RTA had 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 Bridge.
The RTA labelled the reports “inaccurate” at the time.
Salik was launched July 1 in a bid to ease traffic congestion along Sheikh Zayed Road and over Garhoud Bridge.
However, the scheme has been heavily criticised for worsening congestion 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 on Sheikh Zayed Road next to Mall of the Emirates.
Salik is expected to bring in more than $160 million during its first year of operation.
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