Salik (road Toll) - Criticism of Salik

Criticism of Salik

Even though the tolls started on July 1, 2007, many commuters have criticised the RTA for implementing Salik too soon, since traffic alternative routes has worsened. The initial hiccups of SMS alerts not being received by customers was traced to incompatible mobile phone configuration. Now the SMS alerts have become a critical component of the service and ensure that the customers receive their account information more accurately.

For some the largest area of concern of Salik is that the Salik tag is tied to the car, instead of the purchaser. This means that a commuter from Abu Dhabi, or a neighbouring Persian Gulf country who drives into Dubai will be required to purchase a sticker which they must leave on the windscreen for the life of the car. The traveller who might come into Dubai once a year or less, will have to keep the orange sticker on the windscreen permanently, just in case they decide to return to Dubai. However, it must also be stated that for most vehicles the Salik tag cannot be seen from within the vehicle as it is obscured by the rear view mirror.

There was previous criticism of how the Salik charge used to be applied to taxi fares, but the Dubai RTA has now exempted taxis from the toll (see below).

The Dubai RTA have yet to clarify where the Salik tag should be placed on motorcycles which do not have windscreens.

When Salik was launched on July 1, 2007, some of the advertised alternate routes were not yet completed. Floating Bridge opened to the public on July 16, 2007, two weeks after Salik began. The Salik toll system has received mixed reviews. Those travelling on Al Garhoud Bridge seem happy that it is no longer congested, while others on Sheikh Zayed Road are dismayed by the number of exits before and after that exit having led to an influx of traffic into neighbouring residential areas of the Springs, Greens and Al Barsha communities.