For Abu Dhabi drivers, new road toll means higher bills

Abu Dhabi residents said the new road tolls will help to develop the emirate’s roads, but also expressed concern over the rising costs associated with driving.

On Sunday it was announced that the capital is to bring in a system of road tolls. Although the exact details of how it will be implemented are yet to emerge. One father of three said he is considering moving his family to another emirate to conserve his finances.

Abbas Khairy, 41, a Jordanian travel agent, said he would like to see public transport improved before a toll was introduced.

“Dubai has the metro and tram so they have alternatives if they wish to leave their cars at home and use public transport to avoid paying tolls and save petrol. Here in Abu Dhabi, we don’t have that option.

“After introducing VAT and the new fuel prices we had to change our lifestyle to cover the expenses. It’s getting harder and harder yet salaries are still the same,” he said.

Mr Khairy said he is considering sending his family to another emirate to cut expenses.

“I don’t want to send them back to Jordan, but I am thinking of moving them to Ajman or Ras Al Khaimah where there is less traffic, cheaper rents and affordable schools,” Mr Khairy said. “I will keep my work in Abu Dhabi, stay in a relative’s house and visit them once a week.”

Another resident, Egyptian Waled Mousa, 35, said his monthly commuting costs had already risen significantly and that the new toll would affect him even further.

“I drive to Al Ain four or five times a week and it costs about Dh150 to fill the tank. With the increase in petrol prices and VAT, I now pay Dh300 to Dh350 extra a month on transport,” Mr Mousa said. The toll would further affect his finances, he said.

Some residents, however, said that as long as alternative roads were kept toll-free then the effect of the new move on drivers would be minimal.