RTA to hold workshop for fleet owners and operators

The workshop comes as part of RTA's continuing efforts to assist fleet customers in using the Salik system smoothly and provide them with the information required to comply with the Salik system.

The workshop will discuss all related items to the system including how it operates, Salik account set-up, tag distribution, account recharge, and the business rules for fleets. The one day session will also introduce some special tools available only for fleet owners such as signing up for Salik.

Engineer Maitha Bin Adai, CEO of the RTA's Roads and Transport Authority, said: "The new Dubai toll system Salik is part of the RTA's traffic management strategy to reduce pressure on Dubai's road infrastructure, particularly in the city's downtown and other heavily trafficked areas, and to reduce noise and air pollution."

Eng. Bin Adai added: "We are trying to reach the largest number of motorists with every mean possible through our public awareness campaign including workshops, media and awareness campaigns. The workshop will help introduce the new system to fleet owners and operators which will cover a large sector of drivers in the emirate and spread awareness amongst them."

The system will be active and toll collection will commence in July 2007 with initial tolling points at Al Garhoud Bridge and along Sheikh Zayed Road near the Mall of the Emirates. In order to comply with the SALIK system, each fleet vehicle must have a SALIK tag installed on their windshield when they pass through one of these tolling points.

The RTA also called upon fleet owners and operator to participate in the workshop as part of their contribution to spread awareness on the new system. RTA has recently launched the trilingual Salik Call Center (800-72545) to answer public queries about Dubai's forthcoming toll system.

The toll system also fulfils the Dubai Strategic Plan 2007-2015, which stipulates that RTA will provide an integrated road and transportation system that will facilitate people and goods movement while improving safety levels. The plan requires the RTA to address current congestion problems and accommodate future needs by increasing the share of public transportation and reducing the dependence on private vehicles.