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Click here to see the map of 'toll controlled road' (pdf)

Dubai, Nov 16: The road toll system will be in place beginning in July next year, but initially it will be applied only to Shaikh Zayed Road and Al Garhoud Bridge, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Wednesday.

As part of the first phase of the system, the stretch of Shaikh Zayed Road from the Fourth Interchange (near Mall of the Emirates) to Al Garhoud Bridge will become a "toll controlled area".

Motorists crossing Al Garhoud Bridge or entering Shaikh Zayed Road from the Fourth Interchange will be charged Dh4 per entry. It will apply to both directions.

The RTA is still considering whether the toll should be charged round the clock or only during peak rush hours.

The RTA has started implementing the toll system following the Law No 22, 2006 issued recently by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to charge tolls on certain areas or roads to ease traffic congestion.

"The main idea of the toll system is to reduce congestion and exercise better traffic management on Shaikh Zayed Road, and to make motorists use alternate routes and other modes of transportation," said Maitha Obaid Bin Udai, Chief Executive Officer of the Traffic and Roads Agency at the RTA.

Maitha told a press conference yesterday that alternate routes including Al Khail Road, Emirates Road, Dubai Outer Bypass Road and Al Wasl will be available to motorists who do not want to pay the toll.

To avoid the toll on Al Garhoud Bridge, motorists can use Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Shindagha Tunnel, the Floating Bridge (to be opened in July) and the Fourth Crossing (to be opened in March near Festival City).

Passengers in taxis will also pay a toll when a taxi they are travelling in enters or leaves the toll controlled area.

"Taxis are not excluded from the toll and the passenger travelling via the controlled area will be charged the toll along with the taxi fare," said Badar Al Siri, Director of the Traffic Department at the RTA.