Tram junctions are not the only Dubai danger spots

A reader says road fines should be increased everywhere, not just around tram junctions. Francois Nel / Getty Images

Big fines for tram junction offences (October 17) says penalties of up to Dh30,000 will apply for offences committed near Dubai's new tram lines.

It’s a pity these penalties aren’t in force for people who don’t use seat belts for their children.

Julie Daws, Dubai

In reference to Don't blame the fans (October 7), one reason there are so few people attending football games in the UAE is that there is almost no information about the matches available in English.

My family and I went to the UAE-Australia match, and it was easier to find out where and when it was happening on the Australian Football Association’s website than on the UAE FA site.

When we got there, the security guards made us sit with the Aussie fans, even though we wanted to support the Emirates.

Brian Hall, Abu Dhabi

I think there is a lack of publicity about local football games.

Also, matches are often on weekday evenings, meaning that many fans prefer to sit in cafes with their friends and a large screen television rather than drive several hours to wherever the match is ­being held.

I think matches should be played at weekends, and there should be better public transport.

Perhaps the football clubs could also offer accommodation, meal and ticket packages like they do in the UK for theatre breaks.

Name withheld by request

The answer to encouraging more people to attend local football games is simple: advertise the games.

N Forde, Dubai

The UAE will be defending their Gulf Cup title next month. I will be there supporting them for sure.

Sufi Junooni, Sharjah

Big fines will help fight bad driving

More reckless drivers on roads, ­motorists say (October 16) raises an important issue.

This careless driving can be minimised by increasing bad ­motorists’ insurance premiums and applying heavy fines.

However, with the growth of the UAE’s population, there will inevitably be more accidents.

K Ragavan, India

I think part of the problem is that there are many first-generation drivers in the UAE who have no idea of how dangerous a motor vehicle can be.

One day last week, I saw five accidents between 6.30am and 2pm.

Jenny Barrow, Dubai

Driving in Dubai is becoming pretty scary.

The police should enforce the driving laws and ensure no misbehaviour goes unpunished. Rania Shorbaji, Dubai

Domestic staff play a vital role

I am writing about Khalid Al Ameri’s opinion article We are too reliant on maids in the UAE and that has to change (October 15).

It is well put and serves as a timely reminder. I grew up with home help, but it was a different time. They were an adored part of the family, but my parents still saw to our everyday needs.

I think some parents have forgotten their role and have abdicated the role of primary carer over to their maid or nanny. K Bell, Abu Dhabi

It takes a village to raise a child. Domestic help can be a wonderful part of the family circle and it’s demeaning to say that their participation isn’t valued or that they aren’t loving individuals themselves.

Domestic help can be a lifeline for families struggling to find a work-life balance. Kathy Lee, Switzerland

Movie edits leave in the violence

I refer to Chris Newbould's article about the edits being made to a popular American film before it is screened in the UAE (Will a couple of cuts make any difference in Gone Girl?, October 16).

I don’t know what cuts have been made to Gone Girl because I have not seen it yet, but I would like to say something about the issue of editing films.

How come so many horrible, aggressive and violent movies – where people kill each other and blow up buildings – are screened in theatres but love scenes are generally cut?

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

I am concerned that this film will lose its essence if it is cut. The strange thing is that curse words and drug and alcohol use seem to be perfectly fine.

Rejane Serao, Abu Dhabi