With regard to your editorial (Should driving licences match experience?, July 25), I believe the minimum age for driving also needs to increase, and the theoretical and practical tests need to be more rigorous.
However I believe it all boils down to attitude and if the authorities are keen to reduce death rates, more has to be done.
One example is to crack down on motorists who believe that only their time is precious so they cut in to a turning lane at an intersection from another lane rather than wait their turn like the rest of us. Many junctions now have red-light cameras and these can be used to catch such impatient and reckless motorists.
There also need to be more police patrols on the roads and they need to issue fines when any driver does something wrong. I would also suggest that surprise checks be done on random drivers because I suspect there might be many motorists driving without a licence.
Mathew Litty, Dubai
I believe that penalties for traffic offences such as tailgating are still too lenient. Fixed speed cameras need to be replaced with mobile ones because every day, I see drivers speeding between cameras and then braking hard when they see one.
Drivers should also be taught to move into the right lane if it is empty. Similarly, driving at 100 kph in the second lane when there are two lanes empty to the driver’s right is just crazy.
Phil Perrin, Abu Dhabi
Are these the views of “experts”, and not someone who just hates young drivers?
When I drive, it’s usually the middle-aged people who are reckless. If we could find a way to restrict idiots, that would be way better than tackling young drivers.
Najla Daair, Dubai
Radio pioneer’s plight ‘immoral’
The case of Jeff Price (UAE radio pioneer in need of treatment after brain disease diagnosis, July 25) not having his condition covered by medical insurance is just immoral and seems to make a mockery of having health cover at all.
This kind of case is why we expatriates take out these expensive insurance policies – we have continued to pay to National Insurance in the UK while we’re here – so that we can get help when we need it.
No insurance company should be able to turn their backs on their clients or to increase premiums to a point where the client is unable to afford cover.
I wish this dear man all the very best – and trust the country he has called home for 22 years will see him right.
Helen Wilkie-Miln, Dubai
Where is his employer or, if he was self-employed, his clients? Surely those prominent companies that have benefited from his services could support him at this time, just as he supported their businesses.
Shame on the UK for not supporting those who have paid into the NHS before going to work overseas.
Jane Carter, Dubai
Sadly the theory that he could just fly back to Britain and get treatment is a big misconception. It depends on many factors and is not always possible.
It’s free while you’ve been paying National Insurance and voluntary tax. But if you’ve been an expatriate for many years, you are not necessarily entitled to any treatment.
Emma Schlegel, Dubai
Half-price fines needed to end
With regard to your news story, Mixed reactions as Abu Dhabi Police scrap discount on traffic fines (July 25), I think this is an excellent move.
I totally agree that there should be a deadline where the violator has to pay their fine within 30 to 60 days, at the most, after which there should be both legal and financial implications.
We should follow the speed limits and laws no matter where or how the radar is placed. Only if everyone follows the rules will the roads be safer.
Name withheld by request
How can people possibly complain that scrapping the system is a bad thing?
Don’t want to pay a fine? Want to save money? It’s simple – don’t break the speed limit!
Name withheld by request
Buying Pokemon prowess is pointless
Your article, UAE Pokemon Go players paying thousands to level up (July 25), does not make any sense at all.
The whole point of any game is to build your skill. What’s the point of buying an account in which someone has already put in the time and effort?
Sohan Dsouza, Dubai