Salik - new tolling system on Sheikh Zayed Road

Salik is a free flow tolling system that does not require the toll booths, gates, toll collectors, barriers etc., and permits free traffic flow through the tolling zone at highway speeds. Each time a vehicle passes through the tolling zone, the toll will be deducted from the Motorist’s prepaid toll account, through the latest radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

Dubai has recently introduced this new toll system to ease traffic congestion at certain points. The term 'Salik' implies 'clear' or 'open', accentuates the congestion management objectives of the system and the option of using advanced technology for toll system.

How does Salik work?
Two tolling points are fixed at the Sheikh Zayed Road and the Al Garhoud Bridge (close to Mall of the Emirates). Each time a vehicle passes through the tolling point, a toll of AED4 will get automatically deducted from the Motorist’s prepaid toll account due to the RFID technology. A Motorist who crosses through the bridge and returns through the Fourth Interchange of Shaikh Zayed Road will have to pay at both locations. Each vehicle will be identified to the system with the help of a thin, small sticker flag that needs to be affixed onto the windshield. Motorists are required to purchase the machine-readable stickers and prepaid cards.

Salik Tag:
Salik Tag which represents the advanced technology in tolling, can be operated without a battery or other moving parts, and lasts the life of the windshield. It works in all speeds, weather conditions, and is an accurate, reliable identification of the vehicle to the system. It should be fixed on the windshield and the Salik Tag cannot be removed from the windshield without damage. In case the Salik Tag gets lost or damaged, the owner of the vehicle will have to pay for purchasing a new tag and replace it.

Salik Prepaid Account:
The Salik Tag of the vehicle is associated with prepaid Salik account of the motorist. Based on the information provided by the motorist in the application form, at the time of purchasing the tag, a prepaid account will be established. An account number will be sent to the applicant through SMS, once the application has been processed.

After the account has been opened, the account could be accessed via internet, or by calling the customer service center at 800 SALIK (72545). The Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) or the Cash Deposit Machines (CDM) at selected banks could also give details about any balance enquiries or account replenishment. The account could also be replenished online with a debit or credit card. Account balance could also be sent via SMS.

Each account can also have multiple tags, on the basis of one for each vehicle. However, each account is permitted to have only one account owner and one corresponding mobile number for any communication of the account information.

Violation and Fine:
Every vehicle traveling through the Salik tolling zone should have a Salik tag installed in the vehicle or should travel through an alternate route, so as to avoid attraction of any violation and fine. The owner of the vehicle will be held responsible for any toll violations, irrespective of the person driving the vehicle at the time of violation.

In case of any violation, an SMS will be sent as a reminder to the owner, and the prepaid account should be topped up through any of the payment options such as the participating petrol stations, banks or the web to avoid the act of violation and fine of AED50 for every violation. Apart from this, a late payment will attract a penalty of AED10, which will be kept a tab, each month until the payment is done.

Posted on 20/2/2012

blog comments powered by Disqus

Recent Articles

Dubai GDP to grow by 4 to 5 percent in 2012

UAE to be potential destination for medical tourism

Work on Business Bay Canal to be completed within 2 years

New e-gateway system to hasten immigration at UAE-Oman border next year

Dubai residents urged to renew ID cards before May-end deadline

UAE considered as model for growth and prosperity

Major deal signed to develop under-sea hotels in the region

Dubai-RAK Road link to be ready by 2014

Dubai leisure market shows significant recovery in 2012

Dubai to lead economic growth in the UAE by 2013