DUBAI, 21 May 2007 — The road toll system will ease traffic flow in Dubai and will encourage motorists to use alternative roads and public transport, Maitha Bin Adai, CEO of the RTA’s Roads and Traffic Agency said yesterday.
“Salik — the new toll system — will begin as planned in July with initial tolling points at Al-Garhoud bridge and along Sheikh Zayed Road near the Mall of the Emirates,” she added.
Opening of Dubai Al-Abir crossing and the floating bridge, which connects Al-Ittihad road with Al-Riyadh Street in Bur Dubai, is expected to reduce the traffic at Al-Maktoum Bridge.
“All 13 lanes on Business Bay Bridge and the extension of the Emirates road exits from 3 to 6 exits will be opened alongside with Salik. The Floating Bridge alone is one of the major alternative roads planned to reduce the strain on Dubai’s road network and its users,” Maitha said.
“The Floating Bridge has the capacity to manage 6,000 cars during peak times and will reduce the traffic on Al-Maktoum Bridge by 37 percent.” The RTA, she added, will double the number of lanes to and from Dubai Creek to 38 exits this year, and will increase that number to 45 in 2008.
The RTA statement follows the launch of Salik’s public awareness campaign aimed at explaining to motorists how to register for the service and make use of it.
The campaign will also provide information about the selling points where toll cards will be available, how to buy them and how to recharge the credit, said the statement.
“Dubai’s toll system will be on par with international standards and is necessary as a result of heavy demand on the road infrastructure,” she said.
