Dubai, UAE: In a bid to enhance traffic management and reduce congestion on key routes within Dubai, Salik Company PJSC has announced the addition of two new toll gates.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has formally assigned Salik to install toll gates at Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road and Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road.
The decision to add toll gates at these strategic locations comes after extensive traffic movement studies conducted by the RTA.
The primary goal is to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and facilitate smoother and more efficient travel for all motorists in the city.
Operational Details:
The two new toll gates are set to commence operations in November of this year, increasing Salik’s total toll gates in Dubai from eight to ten.
The existing toll gates are located in Al Barsha, Al Garhoud Bridge, Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Mamzar South, Al Mamzar North, Al Safa, Airport Tunnel, and Jebel Ali.
Salik’s Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, coupled with the Salik sticker tag, automatically deducts a toll fee of Dh4 from the motorist’s prepaid toll account each time a vehicle passes through a toll gate.
Similar to the existing Al Mamzar North and South gates, the upcoming Al Safa South gate will be linked, allowing motorists to be charged only once if they pass through both gates within one hour in the same direction.
Easing Traffic Congestion:
The RTA anticipates significant improvements in traffic congestion with the addition of the Business Bay Crossing gate.
It is expected to reduce congestion by 12 to 15 per cent on Al Khail Road and decrease traffic volume by 10-16 per cent on Al Rabat Street.
Moreover, it aims to redistribute traffic to Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud bridges and Ras Al Khor Street.
Similarly, the Al Safa South gate is projected to reduce right-turn traffic volume from Sheikh Zayed Road to Meydan Street by 15 per cent and optimize traffic flow on the Financial Centre, First Al Khail, and Al Asayel streets.
Growth Plan and Partnership:
Salik CEO Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad sees the addition of these new toll gates as a crucial milestone in the company’s growth plan outlined during Salik’s initial public offering in June 2022.
Al Haddad emphasized that this partnership with the RTA aligns with Dubai’s Urban Plan 2040, focusing on sustainable and efficient urban growth.
“With the launch of these new gates, we are directly supporting RTA’s objective to optimize travel time and alleviate traffic congestion, facilitating smoother and more efficient travel for road users,” said Al Haddad.
Diversifying Revenues:
Salik has not limited its efforts to toll operations alone. In December of the previous year, the company announced its plan to operate parking at Dubai Mall by the third quarter of 2024.
With more than 13,000 parking spaces, the system will use automatic number plate recognition and RFID technology, similar to Salik’s toll gates.
While charges for the Dubai Mall parking are yet to be defined by Emaar Malls, fees will be deducted from the Salik user account.
This move represents Salik’s commitment to diversifying its revenue streams and offering comprehensive mobility solutions to the residents of Dubai.
Conclusion:
The addition of the two new toll gates signifies a proactive approach by Salik and the RTA to address the growing challenges of traffic congestion in Dubai.
As the city continues to grow and evolve, such strategic initiatives play a crucial role in ensuring its residents’ efficient and sustainable mobility.
The November launch of the Business Bay Crossing and Al Safa South toll gates is eagerly awaited, promising a positive impact on the daily commute of motorists and further solidifying Dubai’s commitment to intelligent and sustainable urban development.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members