Lax laws
I have been driving since 1965, when the vehicle density on roads was quite less and manageable. I am still driving and find that the current traffic congestion problems have become extremely burdensome. From the moment we step out of our homes, we are concerned about the duration of the journey, the amount of traffic and the inevitable "other fellow" who has no respect for road rules. There are some gullible drivers who are usually bullied on the roads. Such drivers bear injustice in the form of reckless driving caused by other motorists. There should be laws in place to penalise such offenders on the spot. I have seen a number of such drivers, particularly young men, who become abusive and display their contempt towards other motorists if challenged! This behaviour usually comes to the fore when we are queuing up for parking at malls. The prevalence of honesty and good manners on the road depends upon the strictness or laxity of the law.
From Mr T.V. Rao
Dubai
Switch to manual
A few recent letters to Gulf News had complaints from female passengers stating that certain taxi drivers rolled up the car's windows, talked rubbish and in some instances even misbehaved with women. What if the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) made it compulsory for taxi companies to have manual windows in all taxis? This would eliminate the issue completely.
From Ms Khutub Mohammad
Dubai
Still waters
During the 20 years that I have been in Dubai it was my belief that the waters of the Dubai Creek were being regularly monitored for contamination and that samples were being taken at various depths and places for laboratory analysis. It was also my belief that strict controls were in place and huge penalties imposed on violators to ensure that the waters of the Creek were pristine clean and clear. This to protect the marine environment. Imagine my dismay when I found that the Creek is polluted and in certain places contains a cocktail of chemicals, bacteria and parasites. What is going on? From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Quality matters
Six years ago the quality of things was much better, especially the food, such that there were times when I have flown down from the US just to enjoy the variety of food available in Dubai. However, on my last trip I was really disappointed with the taste and quality of food. To my surprise all of my friends had a similar verdict. I suggest that enough attention be paid to maintaining standards in the quality of food, as it is one of the many attractions that lure people to the UAE.
From Ms Mariam
USA
Full name withheld by request
Hope for space
I hope implementation of the new laws will make parking available in the capital ("Abu Dhabi residents will soon have to pay to park", Gulf News, March 25). I stay along Electra Street and find it impossible to find a single parking space in the entire area. It's very difficult to find car parking after 10pm, forget looking for one after midnight. There have been times when my family and I have decided against going for a party as we know there would be no parking space available on our return. Taking a taxi is no help either due to the time wasted in waiting for it.
From Mr S. Adnan Chowdhury
Abu Dhabi
Right to choose
How can a newspaper like Gulf News continue to not publish the names of the restaurants that practice bad hygiene and have complaints of food poisoning? A cockroach in a pizza, bugs in food, restaurants causing sickness, all of which should be told to the public so they have a choice in avoiding such establishments. There is no reason the restaurant should be protected. I want to be sure that the place I am eating at is safe. Such restaurants should be held responsible for their carelessness.
From Mr Andrew Schwab
UAE
Smoking young
Upon a casual stroll along the Qanat Al Qasba, in Sharjah, I was greeted with the shocking sight of 8 to 15-year-olds smoking cigarettes. Where are the parents of these children to oversee their activities and educate them on the dangers of this habit? I strongly urge the Sharjah Police and other authorities concerned to patrol and monitor these areas regularly. Immediate action must be taken against the local groceries and supermarkets that sell cigarettes to these youngsters for the sake of profits.
From Ms L. Ann D'Souza
Sharjah
Inhuman
I really wouldn't call the Dubai Zoo a zoo; just a few rusted bars put together to house animals. Are these majestic animals meant to suffer till they finally die? When will it stop?
From Mr Avinash Sequeira
Dubai
Why complain?
It's not right that if some people are incapable of leading any of the five prayers, disciplinary action is taken against them ("Worshippers replace sleepy imams to lead morning prayers", Gulf News, March 24). This is a matter between man and God. Why complain?
From Mr Eman Bassiouni
Dubai
Conditioned
Instead of making air conditioned bus stops that can house eight passengers at one time, it would be better to create a sun shelter that could accommodate a larger number of people who would otherwise have to wait for the bus in the open. Additionally, I assume that the cost of building four air-conditioned bus stands could instead be spent in adding a new bus to the existing lot.
From Mr Nasser Usmani
Dubai
