Road tolls to be introduced in July
February 16th, 2007The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has announced that road tolls will be introduced from July on the congested Garhoud Bridge and Sheikh Zayed Road. The 4 dirham toll will be automatically deducted from a prepaid tag as drivers enter a toll zone. The tags will cost 100 dirhams and will be available in shopping malls and petrol stations from May. Drivers will be able to top up the tags over the telephone, on the internet, or by SMS. Anybody failing to buy a tag will be fined 100 dirhams.
The new system aims to cut traffic congestion by 25%. It will operate 24 hours a day with only emergency vehicles exempt. Taxi passengers will be given the option of paying the toll or taking an alternative route.
February 19th, 2007 at 6:19 am
1-The original announcement was that the tag will cost 50 dirhams and not 100 dirhams as stated on your site.
2-Road users will avoid AlGharhood Bridge and opt for AlMaktoum. This will create a massive traffic jam in that area.AlMaktoom is already a very serious bottle-neck.
3-Four dirhams is definitely a burden on many people especially those commuting between Deira and Bur Duabi,
living/working on either side and have to make the trip several times a day.
4-Companies will not compensate their employees for the toll payment.This will aggravate the employees’ financial burden.
5- This toll will impact negatively on the family life of many residents in Dubai.It will create frustration when it adds to the financial burden.
6- If as we can see that most of the traffic going both ways is originating from Sharjah then RTA might as well put the toll on the entry point between Dubai and Sharjah including Emirates Road and not between Deira and Bur Dubai.
April 24th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
I do agree with Mr. Zafer, that by charging only on the Garhoud Bridge crossing, other crossings like Maktoum Bridge and the Sindagha Tunnel will become more congested.
Charging 24 hours a day is not practical, when the aim is to reduce congestion. There is surely no need to charge between midnight and 6 morning.
Similary, on days off like Friday and Saturday, business in Dubai will suffer, as many would rather shop in other Emirates, then paying the road toll. The same will apply to the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai Summer Surprises.