Help RTA to improve transport services
There is a rapid increase in the number of vehicles on Dubai roads as many residents do not rely on taxis and prefer having their own conveyance ("Commuters on the streets can now hail taxis by SMS", Gulf News, April 20).
Whenever we have bad experiences with taxi drivers, we sulk and lament about the inefficiency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
But how many of us actually pick up the phone to complain about it to the RTA? It is commendable that the RTA has recognised the problems faced by customers.
The officials are willing to listen to customers' grievances and are taking action against errant taxi drivers.
Now it is up to us to join hands with the RTA to help the city improve its transport services.
From Mr Mohammad Shakeel
Dubai
Teach road safety in schools
Child car seats and rear seat belts are not new in the West ("Children take little steps for safety", Gulf News, April 19).
Much can be achieved in the campaign for road safety by looking at what other countries have done.
Seat belts should be made mandatory for all passengers, and young children should be made to sit at the back, facing forward and belted up.
Road safety should also be taught at schools, as we cannot always rely on good parenting. We must share thoughts and come up with good ideas.
From Mr Ali Sultan
Bradford, UK
No caution at crossing
Due to the construction of the Dubai Metro, several main roads are being redirected through residential areas which is is not a problem.
However, in Deira traffic has been diverted through Al Shaab Colony. A crossing has been created, but without any markings, extra streetlights or signals. This makes it extremely unsafe for people to cross.
Recently, a child missed a near collision because the vehicles did not stop, and a hospital van just missed hitting me while I walked on the pedestrian crossing.
The authorities should ensure that pedestrian signals are set up in order to allow them to cross safely.
From Ms Ineke Dsouza
Dubai
India's vision
In a recent letter to Gulf News, Mohammad Shamsheer stated that India lacks vision in its developmental policy towards farmers ("Lack of vision", Gulf News, April 17).
He is probably unaware that as per this year's budget, India's Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has declared a loan waiver and debt relief package that would benefit about 30 million small and marginal farmers and 10 million other farmers - the actual impact of which will continue beyond 2020.
The package provides for a complete write-off of all outstanding debt to scheduled commercial banks and co-operative societies.
India certainly has a vision for the revival of its poorer class.
From Mr Jogayak Chatterjee
Sharjah
Ranking criteria
How is it possible to grade schools based on the performance of 20 pupils ("Indian board to rate schools based on pupils' performance", Gulf News, April 16)?
Additionally, the merit of a school cannot be based on just a few subjects. Science and mathematics no longer remain the only subjects required to pursue a possible career.
There are many other options available today. It should be considered that pupils who perform well in grades four and five may not do so in grade 10.
From Ms Naina Nair
Sharjah
Adding to global warming
Biofuels such as corn ethanol promised a cleaner environment and less dependency on our depleting natural resources ("Food, food everywhere but not a bite to eat", Gulf News, April 20).
But the recent rise in the production of biofuels has now allowed the harsh reality to surface. Soaring food costs, world hunger and deforestation are all contributing to global warming.
From Ms Nadia Ilahie-Ahmad
Dubai
Bad video games
I hope Gulf News examines the links between bad behaviour in children and violent video games, and produces an objective and professional article on the issue ("Sharjah crackdown against banned God of War game", Gulf News, April 17).
I think if it is illegal to sell games that have adult content to children. Stores selling such stuff should be held accountable when they break the law.
Of course, parents should be the first and final supervisors of the games their children play.
From Ms Annie Davidson
Dubai
Warning system at signals
In order to stop cars from jumping red lights, I suggest introducing a warning system whereby the traffic signal would flash green a few times before turning amber and then red.
This way, motorists will be able to have more time to slow down and brake. At present, they have to be very careful as they can only brake once the signal turns amber.
This signal flashing system has been introduced in some parts of Al Ain and Dubai. I hope it will soon be implemented in Abu Dhabi as well.
From Ms Joy Sundaran
Abu Dhabi
Dangerous drivers
Recently, I was driving on Emirates Road at 100km/h on the second track, when suddenly a black car zoomed into the fast lane and bullied me to shift to the next lane.
I was furious but retained my temper, as I did not wanted to react to the speeding driver. I wish a police vehicle were on the road, at the time so he could be dealt with accordingly.
Such motorists are very dangerous as they can put the lives of others in danger.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
High failure rate
I thank Gulf News for the timely article on difficulties faced by new learners in acquiring a driving licence ("Dubai slashes driving licences by 43%", Gulf News, April 16).
I applied for a driving licence last year and have yet to receive it, despite appearing in 100 classes and six tests. On any given day, only four to five students out of 40 pass the final test.
This is perhaps the only examination in the world where the failure rate is as high as 90 per cent, yet no efforts are being made by the authorities to improve training methods or test techniques.
From Mr Ashish Aggarwal
Dubai
Nightmare
The quality of traffic control prevailing in Al Aweer is not sufficient for people who work in the area.
Due to the wastewater treatment plant located there, every day is a nightmare as hundreds of wastewater trucks stand in long queues on all possible access roads.
They overtake each other at will, absolutely ignore light vehicles and cause accidents frequently.
I request the relevant authorities to take corrective measures that could reduce road congestion in the area.
From Mr A. V. Ramakrishna
Abu Dhabi
Dear carwash service
The sudden increase in car wash charges has forced Abu Dhabi residents to look for other alternatives, such as delaying the frequency of car washes or hiring individuals to wash cars in residential areas, which is an illegal practice.
I suggest the authorities provide a car wash facility in the Abu Dhabi Mina port area, which has plenty of space available and hardly any traffic.
The authorities can facilitate carwash stations where owners can bring their own utilities to clean their cars.
Only one attendant would be required to monitor the self-service stations.
From Mr Arvind T. Dhumale
Abu Dhabi
Children's safety
The recent report on the child who was killed by a heavy vehicle shows that more should be done to make people aware of children's safety in cars ("Nine-year-old Emirati killed as heavy vehicle rams into car", Gulf News, April 16).
Such news makes me really furious.
From Ms Juha Laine
Dubai
Helpless
I have been trying to obtain a driving licence since July 2005 — that equates to almost three years (“Dubai slashes driving licences by 43%”, Gulf News, April 16). I have spent over Dh7,000 and taken the test eight times, each time having to wait for at least three months before going for another test!
I have made a formal complaint to both the school and RTA, but each body blames the other. Is there anyone that can help?
From Mr C. M. Lawlor
Dubai
Wonderful impact
The Mughal Empire has had such a wonderful impact on Indian history (“Movie ‘defames Mughal empire’”, Gulf News, April 20). Mughals were the first people to bring India together as one nation under one ruler to some extent, before the British took over.
While India was considered a colony to the British, the sultans and Mughals became part of Indian society during their time in power. Additionally, they helped spread India’s culture across the world. Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders, is only an example of the contribution made by Mughals to world heritage.
From Mr Ziad P.
Abu Dhabi
Setting an example
I would like to thank Gulf News for publishing the eye opener on the 12th Gujarat assembly (“Gujarat legislature parts with its past”, Gulf News, April 12).
The assembly functioned without any disruptions and the exemplary maturity with which it was conducted proves how well a vibrant legislative system can work. However, much more interesting is the exhibition of ‘high standards of tolerance and harmony’ from the legislators of both the ruling party and the opposition.
I feel that the people of Gujarat have made the right choice by electing their representatives, who conducted themselves with maturity and common sense, as they proved their commitment and social responsibility.
Passing 14 bills by making judicious use of time and effort and without any adjournments of the House should set an example for other parliamentarians, who are known for their misbehavior and immaturity.
I hope the people of other states in India will also elect such responsible and able-minded representatives, both to state assemblies and to the parliament, so that democratic values and parliamentary processes are upheld.
From Ms Shanama H. D.
UAE
Narrow escape
A bridge similar to the one on Al Khail Road exists on Baniyas Road in Deira just before the floating bridge junction (“New bridge on Al Khail Road ‘another death trap’”, Gulf News, April 14).
All motorists approaching the floating bridge from Baniyas Road have to three lanes in a dangerous manner. I do the same and find it very tough. Moreover, I have seen vehicles that narrowly escaped collisions several times in the area.
From Mr T. Saifee Mansour
Dubai
Irrefutable
The recent Gulf News comment on Iraq is absolutely right (“Iraq peace at the point of a gun”, Gulf News, April 12). We are now seeing more charges from the Bush administration which state that America’s difficulties in Iraq is due to Iran’s backing of ‘special groups’.
All such charges lack evidence. The irrefutable fact is that Iran has a cooperative relationship with Iraq. It also enjoys close proximity with all Shiite factions — relationships that have developed over hundreds of years.
From Mr Fariborz S. Fatemi
Virginia, USA
Conned
I was appalled on reading about Ms Sennen Rodrigues’s experience with Citibank (“Misguided”, Gulf News, April 6). She had invested Dh66,000 but got back only Dh16,000.
Customers should not believe sales people who focus more on generating commissions, rather than making efforts to help consumers understand the policies better. Unless consumers genuinely understand investment policies and the details that come with it, they should not get involved. I hope Gulf News will highlight more such stories.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Evaluation required
I have no idea why acquiring a driving test date takes such a long time (“Dubai slashes driving licences by 43%”, Gulf News, April 16). The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has not yet given new learners a valid justification.
I had to wait 45 days for my test date, despite the evening shifts for driving classes being in place. I have been failed thrice, even though I drive well. I request the authorities to re-evaluate the driving exam procedure.
Most people fail because the examiner is not in the mood to pass them. I have become frustrated visiting my driving school over and over again — all I get is unprofessional behaviour and rude replies from the staff.
I request the RTA to reduce the waiting period for test dates to a week. Monitoring and evaluating the examiners should be considered as well.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Save the world
I appreciate the message that UAE residents are sending across this Earth Day and fully support the cause (“Green groups and youngsters across UAE to mark Earth Day”, Gulf News, April 21).
I suggest launching a campaign for saving the Earth. Promoting the recycling of old newspapers can help achieve this venture. The aim would be to collect all old and used newspapers from buildings in order to make paper bags, used as a replacement for bags made out of plastic.
Collection boxes can be placed in every building in the city. I am sure the papers can be collected and recycled on a daily basis. They are anyway thrown away without a second glance.
From Mr Sreesankar
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
