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Anything that can be done to improve conditions on the roads of Dubai is to be welcomed. But, sadly, not everything that is implemented does make the situation better. A good example of this is the Salik toll system which has been in force since July last year.
The public were assured the traffic on Shaikh Zayed Road, where the system was introduced, would flow much more freely as the toll would reduce congestion.
Commuters on Shaikh Zayed Road were sceptical that it would turn out as predicted, but were prepared to give the project the benefit of the doubt on the assumption the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) had done its research and analysis right.
Unfortunately, the predictions failed to come true as Shaikh Zayed Road still suffers from congestion, tail-backs through traffic jams, and accidents. Worse, parallel roads to Shaikh Zayed Road have, as forecast by Gulf News, suffer as drivers attempt to avoid the congestion on the highway - or avoid paying the toll fee.
The RTA claims Salik is a success and has decided additional toll gates will be introduced, the first lot within two months.
Reassurance has been given that drivers will not be charged twice on the same routes, but considering the complications and inaccuracies experienced with the present system, it must be difficult to guarantee that. It is also believed that even more toll gates will be introduced over the next years, again in an attempt to curb traffic.
There is some logic to introducing toll systems on key arterial roads, but only if existing alternative methods of public transport are available. But there isn't - nor will there be for several years. So all the additional tolls will do is create yet more congestion on the roads while contributing to people's overall expenditure.
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