Will the new Salik gate bring relief to our congested roads?

Our readers have their say on congestion, WhatsApp, migration and an abandoned cat

Traffic is generally very heavy in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

I have been raised in Dubai all my life and if we look at the massive developments that have taken place over the years, it is impressive. However, I do feel the Salik system set up in 2007 with the aim of reducing traffic congestion on the roads could still be improved.

I would like to know, for example, why Salik isn’t free on Fridays and other public holidays? The Floating Bridge is closed after 10pm while the Salik gate at Maktoum Bridge is free after 10 pm. I pity those who have to do a daily commute passing through these gates.

Luckily because it is now summertime and as many have packed their bags and gone on long holidays, we can see a little relief on the road.

Nevertheless, during peak hours the traffic has not improved. Most drivers respect the law but I worry if they try to avoid using Salik that the other roads might become clogged.

We all want to reach work on time. Motorists who leave their homes in Sharjah early in the morning face the brunt of going through daily traffic snarls as the Sharjah-to-Dubai road comes to a standstill. I hope the changes brought in will really make a difference on our roads.

Mathew Litty, Dubai

Due process is needed to deal with migrants on the border

I write regarding your story Assam Muslims fear exclusion from India's new citizenship list (July 22): it was an interesting read.The government of the ruling National Democratic Alliance coalition, led by the BJP, is right to take action on the issue of illegal immigrants on the state border. The government is encouraging people to produce legal documents   and for anyone who doesn't, I believe they will look into the issue in a fair manner.

It is right that migrants from Bangladesh  should have to prove their status. Today illegal immigration is a big challenge facing the global community.

K Ragavan, Denver

One kind readers offers Gussy a furry tale ending

Regarding your story Save Gussy: cat abandoned at Abu Dhabi bus stop waits months for owners to return (July 22), thanks for sharing such a story which was so lovely and sad at the same time.

I live in Dubai and would love to share my life with him.

I live in a very big villa and once rescued one kitten from the streets in Abu Dhabi but he was very sick and sadly couldn’t make it, despite my best efforts. It was very tough. These animals need our love.

Claudio Inove, Dubai

WhatsApp must find a way to prevent mob violence

In reference to your article WhatsApp curbs India service after lynchings (July 21): the company must devise a mechanism to filter fake news. Recent lynchings in India perpetuated by mobocracy have rightly destroyed people's confidence in WhatsApp.

Name withheld by request