First look: Abu Dhabi's new road toll gate

Toll gates are being installed before a new road charge coming into effect in October

The new Al Maqta bridge road toll gate is being erected ahead of the charging system coming into effect in October. Victor Besa / The National

Motorists are being greeted by a sign of things to come as toll gates are erected in Abu Dhabi before a new road charge being introduced in October.

A  gate structure — similar in design to those used as part of the Salik road toll system in Dubai — is being installed on Al Maqta bridge.

It is one of four designated charging points in the emirate, the others being positioned at Mussasfah, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Khalifa bridges.

The transport scheme will be rolled out on October 15 by authorities to slash congestion and encourage greater use of public transport.

It is a cashless road toll, in which drivers are charged every time they travel through a toll gate.

Unlike the Salik toll, which has a flat rate of Dh4 each time you pass through the toll gate, regardless of the time, Abu Dhabi will have peak and off-peak charges.

Drivers will be charged Dh4 during the peak period of 7am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm, Saturday to Thursday.

A Dh2 off-peak fee will be charged outside of these times, on Fridays and on public holidays.

Charges will be capped at a maximum of Dh16 per day, regardless of the number of trips taken.

The system will not require motorists to have a tag on their car.

All Abu Dhabi-registered vehicles will be automatically registered on an online system, which will go live on August 30, at no charge. Payment of the toll fee will be made through an e-wallet and can be topped up when necessary.

Drivers from outside the emirate must register their vehicle details in the online system in advance of the scheme coming into effect. There will be a grace period of ten business days  from the time of crossing,  to register in the system.