Healthy and happy
The changes in school bus safety regulations are welcome ("New safety regulations for school buses", Gulf News, August 27). I often see children standing on their seats and peering out from the window, or playing while the bus is in motion. Seat belts would prevent them from doing so, thus making the journey to and from school much safer. Additionally, effective supervision in buses would contribute to a safer journey. Our children are important and we should take the necessary measures to ensure they have a safe, healthy and happy life.
From Ms Graziella Rodrigues
Abu Dhabi
Eye-opener
I always took sports seriously but eventually chose to become a pilot ("Indian soccer rediscovering itself", Gulf News, August 27). I never thought of making my favourite sport a career option because of the financial risks involved. However, Gulf News's report on Indian soccer was an eye-opener for me and will probably be an inspiration for youngsters who are unaware of the achievements Indians have made in sports such as soccer. When I read Gulf News, I usually head to the Sports section first. The recent report truly showed the effort taken to find out new information for readers. Good job!
From Mr Elton D'Souza
Maharashtra, India
Park outside city
Commercial vehicles are indeed a huge problem in Abu Dhabi ("Commercial vehicles take up all the empty spaces", Gulf News, August 25). Additionally, the new taxi fleet in the Capital has also made the parking situation an absolute nightmare. This is because almost all taxi drivers reside in the city, and their vehicles are usually seen in residential parking spaces. I think an ideal solution would be to park taxis on the outskirts of the city, at least during the night.
From Mr M. Shabir
Abu Dhabi
Open up
It would really help if the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) would consider using the closed Al Mamzar Road, exclusively for public buses. This would reduce traffic congestion to a great extent, as more and more people would use buses to save time. This would also result in less traffic on Al Ittihad Road, as people would be more inclined to use the public transport system as opposed to personal vehicles.
From Mr Hassan
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Signal delays
The density of cars on the road and the amount of time spent stuck in traffic continues to worsen every day. I have noticed that one of the features of traffic light systems in many developed countries is the implementation of a longer cycle time. I strongly believe this technique should be adopted in Dubai. It would significantly diminish the amount of time motorists spend at intersections. Additionally, this system is easy to implement, and would significantly help reduce traffic flow. I urge the authorities to consider the idea.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Sky-high demands
I am a frequent traveller and have often come across disruptive passengers, who exhibit bad behaviour when flying. Nowadays, I think people have become more selfish as they often have ridiculous demands. Many passengers want a different seat, upgrades that they have not paid for, meals that are not on the menu, and priority for excess baggage. Increased prices are also a reason for greater demands from passengers. Troublesome passengers should face harsh punishments for engaging in such behaviour at an altitude of 35,000 feet.
From Ms Jameela Boulakhrif
Dubai
Too slow
With reference to Mr Abdul Qayum's letter to Gulf News, I believe fast lanes are not intended for cruising or driving leisurely ("Slow down", Gulf News, August 27). Motorists drive in these lanes when they intend to overtake vehicles and it is the responsibility of drivers to move over to the right lane when possible, and to let faster cars pass, regardless of whether they are speeding or not. The reason why motorists often weave through lanes so recklessly is because of the mindless arrogance of drivers who cruise in the fast lane, assuming that it is acceptable to do so as long as they are under the speed limit.
From Ms Shezanne Qasim
Dubai
One hour later
We are all victims of the increasing traffic congestion problem in the UAE, especially during the morning rush hour. The main reason for this chaos is the fact that all schools and universities start at about 8am. A simple solution would be to allow a majority of private schools to start an hour later than usual. This would help prevent the build-up of traffic, and would allow commuters to get to work on time. During Ramadan, driving to Dubai is a breeze before 7.30am, because of the change in school timings.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
Lives in jeopardy
Serious thought should be given to scrapping central locking systems in vehicles ("I was molested by man who offered me a lift", Gulf News, August 27). The unfortunate incident involving the Filipina who accepted a lift from a stranger showed that her torment could have been prevented if she had been able to open the car door. Moreover, central locking jeopardises the lives of fellow passengers, in a scenario such as a fire, which could have trapped people inside the vehicle. Additionally, if the driver were fatally injured, passengers would be unable to escape.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai
Be proactive
I read Mr Matthew Brennan's letter to Gulf News, praising Dubai Police for addressing poor driving on roads ("Good on them", Gulf News, August 27). The authorities do stop people from pushing into lanes, but I think greater police presence is necessary on the roads. Only proactive, rather than reactive action would help curb the horrendous accidents and increasing rate of fatalities. I experience shocking driving behaviour on Shaikh Zayed Road every day and have yet to see perpetrators pulled up for bad road etiquette.
From Mr D. M.
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Very inconvenient
Has no one stopped to think about how much extra time it would take at the self-service petrol station ("Self-service a step too far for some UAE drivers", Gulf News, August 17)? One would have to wait in line, park in front of the petrol pump, queue at the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) to withdraw money, pay the cashier for the fuel and then walk back to the pump to begin the process of filling the tank. During this time, the attendant could have filled the tank and gone on to the next car. If petrol stations want to introduce this system, they need to have an automated credit card facility built into the pump itself, as is common around the world. If such facilities were not present, it would create a lot of confusion. Additionally, operating the petrol pump is not only dangerous for first timers, but can also be hazardous for people who are walking back and forth.
From Ms Laurie Bridger
UAE
Old on the outside
Buildings older than five years ought to be repainted. My parents pay Dh120,000 annually for their apartment and even though the interiors look great, the building has extremely dirty exteriors. I hope action will be taken to improve the condition of these buildings.
From Ms Naazneen Fatima
Dubai
No help
I think the remittances of overseas Filipino workers are the main force driving the economy of the Philippines. I hope the Philippines government would open up and help its nationals who are working abroad. Most Filipinos would agree with me if I say that we had high hopes from our government back home that have not been fulfilled.
From Mr Odello Caesar Padagdag
Ras Al Khaimah
Do it right
In essence, self-service is a great idea in order to better utilise human resources ("Do-it-yourself at ENOC petrol station", Gulf News, August 13). But its success will remain elusive if the following points are not properly taken into consideration. Firstly, there should be a mechanical interlock to ascertain that the petrol tank’s cap will not open if the engine is running while the petrol is being filled up. Additionally, instead of paying at the petrol station’s store, which would definitely cause long delays, a system of pre-paid 'petrol cards' should be implemented to avert delays. Video cameras should also be in place to ensure that people stand next to the car when filling their tanks. This will prevent delays for other waiting motorists. Moreover, there should be petrol card-operated dispensing machines for the engine, gear and brake oils. Finally, people getting their license should be taught about self-service as part of their driving lessons.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
UAE
Good news
It is good to hear that another taxi company is being launched in the emirate of Sharjah ("New taxi company to be launched in Sharjah in August", Gulf News, July 14). I wonder though, will they stop to pick up passengers who want to go to Dubai? Recently, it took me 45 minutes to get a taxi to stop, although more than 10 vacant ones drove by. The taxi drivers refused to take me, when I told them I was heading to Dubai.
From Mr Edwin David
Sharjah
Free to choose
Gulf News's report on indecent clothing was thought provoking to say the least ("Decency chokes under skimpy outfits", Gulf News, July 15). I do not see any problem with women wearing loose outfits, since UAE's summer months can be scorching, and the lesser one wears, the more comfortable he or she feels. I think it is good that people are free to choose what they wear: it is an advantage of living in Dubai. I am a national and feel people should be free to wear what they like as long as it does not cross certain norms.
From Mr Salem Mohammad
Abu Dhabi
Lack of knowledge
My wife feels that because some expatriate women are not noticed by men in their home countries, they engage in indecent behaviour abroad to get the attention of the opposite sex ("Decency chokes under skimpy outfits", Gulf News, July 15). However, I believe that European tourists and newcomers do not come from discreet cultures and simply do not understand the norms in Islamic countries such as the UAE. It is to their credit that Americans and Canadians dress more conservatively though.
From Mr Thomas
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Mobile radars
When I drove along in Dubai, I came across mobile radars on the roadside, ready to capture speeding vehicles. Nowadays, most of the drivers in Dubai are unable to see where the radar is exactly placed, because the cameras are often installed on cars that are parked on the roadside. However, when motorists do realise this, they could hit the brakes as a reaction and cause accidents.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Cleaner air
I appreciate the effort of the authorities in Dubai to ban smoking in shopping malls ("Wall of smoke 'hits shoppers' in Dubai", Gulf News, August 4). Additionally, I hope the authorities will also ban smoking in offices and all other indoor areas and fine smokers accordingly.
From A Reader
Australia
Name withheld by request
