Abu Dhabi planning to introduce salik road tolls soon – reports

Abu Dhabi is planning to introduce salik road tolls across the emirate later this year, according to local media reports.

While officials have not yet confirmed the decision, local dailies said toll gates are expected to open in four locations this October including Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Sheikh Khalifa Bridge, Mussafah Bridge and Maqta Bridge.

Motorists will be charged a toll of Dhs4 during peak hours and Dhs2 during non-peak hours.

The reports come after it was announced last year that Abu Dhabi was studying road tolls under a new decree issued by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The regulation mandates Abu Dhabi’s department of Transport with determining all the details regarding the road toll including the location, the toll amount and operation timings. The decision will then have to be approved by the general secretariat of the executive council.

Ambulances, vehicles belonging to the armed forces and civil defence as well as public buses and motorcycles will be exempt from the toll.

The law also states that a person evading toll be face a fine of up to Dhs10,000, with total fines for one year per vehicle limited to Dhs25,000.

Salik road tolls were introduced in Dubai in 2007. It is currently only the emirate in the UAE that imposes road tolls.