Stealth patrol can help rein in traffic rule violators
Point-to-point radar is only way to curb speeding, safety specialists say (February 17) was interesting to read. But I think there is a simpler and more effective way to control dangerous drivers. I tried to leave my suggestion on the police website, but it wouldn't upload.
Dubai Police are doing a great job on security and we, the expatriates, really appreciate the role they play in our lives.
However, in spite of their efforts, there are still people who flout the rules, thereby posing danger to themselves and to those around them.
If they do not cause accidents, they make other drivers angry and contribute to road rage, a phenomenon I think is becoming increasingly common in this country.
Fortunately, in the UAE word gets around quickly. When new laws or rules are introduced, most people become aware of them almost immediately. Dubai Police can take advantage of this phenomenon by introducing and publicising a new squad of road patrollers.
Road monitors can patrol in normal, unmarked vehicles with cameras mounted on the dashboard.
About 10 vehicles will be enough for this. They can patrol different roads at different times, videotaping violators.
Furthermore, a patrol car can chase a violator and record the car plate number. Details of the offender can be tracked easily. That will make the job of the police much easier.
I think once a few drivers are confronted with video evidence, the word will spread quickly and drivers will behave better.
Abdulmutwalib Fadhil, Sharjah
Driving stress is the day's worst
Your article Battle of the lanes saves just 12 minutes (February 17) voices my constant feeling while driving.
In the UAE, driving is the most stressful part of my day, as I feel so unsafe seeing cars weaving through the traffic recklessly without signalling or giving any warning.
Many drivers do not keep the safe distance, either.
People should be willing to lose a few minutes rather than put their own lives, and the lives of others, in danger.
Marli Tirelli, Dubai
Big stores don't give exact change
The closure of small groceries has made me a customer of a major supermarket in Abu Dhabi (Confusion over grocery store closures in Abu Dhabi, February 15).
But each time I pay there, I stand to lose 10 or 20 fils, because the cashiers do not keep small coins and are reluctant to accept them.
I estimate that this costs the average person as much as Dh160 per year. I humbly request the authorities to find a solution.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
No issues with English accent
Five-star fiasco in Fujairah on our weekend getaway (February 16), reflects the writer's prejudice.
Making fun of the accent of the waiter is not in good taste.
People from different countries speak English in different accents. I do not see any problem with that. The writer certainly did not appreciate their gesture of goodwill and misinterpreted it.
I have been to the UK several times, at five-star hotels. Mistakes were made and charges were issued for the minibar which I did not use. I can go on and on.
It's time to rise above prejudices and make the most out of your stay.
Marli Tirelli, Duba
Reconsider the toll gate location
I am referring to Two more salik gates to open in April (February 16). Can the authorities reconsider a toll gate on the airport tunnel? The tunnel connects to Al Khail Road and Al Aweer via the Business Bay bridge, which is an alternate route for Sheikh Zayed Road.
Yasin Bawaney, Dubai
More to Mumbai that just slums
The picture of Mumbai you used to illustrate a letter (Mumbai retains its unique allure, February 17) was badly chosen.
Sure, Mumbai has slums but so do Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, Johannesburg, Hong Kong and Bangkok and every other major city of the world.
But this great metropolis of more than 20 million people has more skyscrapers than Dubai and Abu Dhabi put together.
Would you illustrate Dubai with a picture of a poorer neighbourhood such as parts of Satwa rather than the Burj Khalifa or Burj Al Arab?
PS Nair, Dubai
