Why would you drive with little fuel in the tank?

Readers urge motorists to avoid driving on low fuel. Other topics: clearance certificate, utility tariffs, animal cruelty, STDs, obesity

Readers say drivers can avoid crowded petrol stations by making plans in advance. Sarah Dea / The National

I agree with the comments about increasing the number of petrol stations in the emirate of Dubai (We are running on empty, November 18). Fortunately, there are plenty of petrol stations in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. However, what I can't comprehend is why would you let your tank run so low? There is grit and all sorts of rubbish at the bottom of your tank, which if injected into your engine will eventually destroy it.

Secondly, everybody knows the peak periods at petrol stations are midday, school kick out time and early evening. It’s called planning ahead, logistics and actually caring about your vehicle. People who do this don’t spend vast amounts of time in petrol station queues. If you want your car to last and you value your life as well as other motorists, respect each and everyone as well as your mode of transport.

Name withheld by request

More petrol stations is not the solution. I have been here 32 years and we used to have many fewer petrol stations. It is important that you make sure your tank is always full. That’s the solution.

Susan Shawwa Khalil, Abu Dhabi

Some workers need clearance

I refer to the question raised by a concerned person on why a new employer should ask for a certificate from Dubai Police regarding his behaviour and conduct (Why you need a Good Conduct Certificate from Dubai Police, November 18). I can't speak for all countries, but to get some jobs in the UK a criminal record check is required, which is the same as the Good Conduct Certificate and it's not as cheap as it is here.

Name withheld by request

It’s an international rule. It is needed for some purposes such as immigration and travelling internationally. Embassies ask for this certificate most of the time, so we should be grateful that the police here are providing it within few days. After September 11, it was made compulsory for some nationalities to get this certificate before travelling.

Waqas Amir, Abu Dhabi

As far as I know, it is required for some cases depending on nationality, and it isn’t an international requirement. I never had to get it when travelling.

John Paravalos, Dubai

Higher tariffs will curb wastage

Water is already heavily subsidised, if you consider that we're living in the desert (New utility tariffs for Abu Dhabi residents, November 13).

The careless way in which many people waste valuable resources, I guess there is no other choice than to make it more expensive. In fact, I’m also waiting for fuel prices to triple at least within the next 10 years.

David Krabbe, Abu Dhabi

I am glad that people need to pay more for water use. That is the only way to tackle wastage of water. The moment we need to pay for something, we think twice before using.

Name withheld by request

Animal cruelty has to stop

The law on cruelty to animals has to be enforced (Campaign against cruelty to animals, November 17). No more suffering for animals, and those who think it acceptable to abuse them should be punished harshly.

Emma B, Dubai

Education can curb ignorance

I understand that the issue of sexually transmitted diseases is hardly discussed in this country because of the sensitivity and stigma attached to contracting an STD (It's time for an uncomfortable conversation ... November 10). It's human nature. So educate people to prevent ignorance over treatment and stigma.

Jen Bishop, Abu Dhabi

Obese children need guidance

More parental guidance is needed to check obesity in children (School trousers with a 44-inch waist size, November 18). Parents don't do any favour to their children by allowing them to lead a sedentary lifestyle.

P Jones, Dubai