Traffic problems need more action from authorities

• Last Updated: August 01. 2009 10:18PM UAE / August 1. 2009 6:18PM GMT

Abu Dhabi’s plans to charge for parking are not a well thought out move. The focus should have been on addressing the increasing number of privately-owned vehicles, which are the cause of congestion and parking problems as well as increases in pollution.

High taxes should be levied against anyone living in the city who has a small family, yet owns more than one car. This will lessen the number of cars in the city.

Meanwhile, the authorities should introduce a world-class public transport system incorporating trams, buses and a metro. This will also help to raise revenue for the municipal authorities and add to the city’s credentials, making it comparable to any other global city.

A charge of Dh3 for parking is going to make little to no difference on congestion. Instead authorities should focus on changing habits and long-term transport solutions. European countries have been doing this for a long time and perhaps the UAE would do well to follow their example.

JB, London

It is hard to see how these parking fees will solve any of the problems in Abu Dhabi. Public transport is inadequate at best, and private cars are still the only way to get around, particularly for business people.

But it probably will affect shops and other small businesses negatively. People will think carefully about where they have to go and cut down on trips.

Caroline Tapken, Dubai

The black points system went some way in improving the driving culture. However, there are a number of ways in which the system can be improved.

First, penalties should be applied equally and on everyone. People who buy tyres to pass inspection and then revert to their worn-out tyres should have their vehicles confiscated and never returned. I have been hearing how the tinting regulations will be enforced, but four out of 10 cars I see have tinting that is too dark. And often they are the ones that drive the craziest. These people often get away with using their mobiles while driving or not wearing seat belts.

Nor are they apologetic, they think rules apply only to a subset of people “beneath” them.

Mohammad M, Abu Dhabi

Don’t blame tyres, blame the driver

Although the tyres may have been a factor in the death of those five young men, the major cause was their speeding, High-speed blowout kills five Emiratis (July 27). When will people learn and when will government do more to crackdown on these guys? Meanwhile, their families are left to mourn the loss of their sons. Why? Because of irresponsible behaviour on the roads. These kind of drivers put everyone’s lives in jeopardy when driving in the UAE.

Chris M, Abu Dhabi

Surgery figures food for thought

Doctors quoted in The National’s story, Gastric surgery numbers balloon (August 1), called for regulations on the use of gastric operations. That the UAE is considering implementing such guidelines is welcome.

I found the story thought provoking. Obesity is a growing global problem, but a particularly serious one in the UAE – the fact that the rate is higher among women than men is alarming.

The one good sign behind the growing numbers of people seeking this surgery is that more people are becoming aware of the dangers of obesity. To stem the growing appeal of the procedure, perhaps the government should consider a valued-added tax to discourage overuse of the operation.

K Ragavan, Ajman

A cure for global financial malaise

Some banks were nationalised in the UK, Ireland, EU and the US because of the systemic risk they posed to the national economy, Bahrain seizes control of banks (July 31). Similarly, many banks in most countries were, and are still, being bailed out by their governments. So, it is not unusually exceptional that the Bahrain government is doing the same.

The key to stabilisation, and the beginning of recovery, in the region will be proactive and collaborative long-term strategies and change in the economic culture. New definitions are needed, as are new methods of delivering profit and growth. Socio-economic progress is vital. In the long run, this will be accomplished through multi-sector and collaborative regional partnerships by governments. The region needs to consider more Islamic economic principles and less of the speculative and complex paper banking economics of today’s world, which is driven by complexity and greed to the benefit of the very select few.

Mahebub Chatur, Dubai