Big cat import law must be enforced

A reader hopes that the new bans on importing wild animals as pets will be strictly enforced. Other topics: road safety, Emiratis working in retail and gazelles on the highways.

A reader hopes that the law prohibiting the import of big cats as pets will be well enforced. Sammy Dallal / The National

Warning signs may save the lives of wandering wildlife

On a routine drive to one of the hotels on Saadiyat island, to my amazement, I saw two gazelles right in the middle of the road.

I braked immediately, but discovered that the gazelles were not at all shy and stayed put.

After a while, they strolled off towards the golf course.

I think the department of transport should install signs drawing attention to the places where animals cross, requesting that people drive carefully.

The signs could also display some emergency numbers for veterinary services in case of injury to the animals.

Ankit Bhargava, Abu Dhabi

Big cat import law must be enforced

New ban on import of big cats as pets (February 7) is good news.

But, unless this law is actually enforced - and people who break it are dealt with through the imposition of fines and removal of their licences to trade - then it will just be words on a piece of paper.

Let's hope it is followed through.

Gail Elverd, Sharjah

Communication leads to learning

In reference to Ayesha Al Khoori's blog post, The real question for the UAE is: Where have people's manners gone? (February 6), it is clear that we live in a different world to that of our parents.

We are subsumed by technology and must remember that not everyone who calls us is genuine in what they say.

But we have also become more cynical about life. Ayesha, what if your call had been about a life-threatening situation?

I like to listen to people and reply. After all, the worst that could happen is that I learn something. A Kianin, UK

Staff overturn a false stereotype

Congratulations to all the Emirati staff at Sharaf DG for your courage and determination to work in retail (Store promotes service with an Emirati smile, February 9).

You should be proud that you are true pioneers, because you are setting an excellent example.

You have challenged and disproved many assumptions.

Mamba Sna, Dubai

Issue of respect needs attention

I am writing about the blog post, The truth about Emiritisation: As the men sit around and joke, the women get to work (February 4).

It's sad to know that this kind of distinction between men and women, even in a professional setting, continues to exist.

Women deserve respect, and we should spend more time addressing these issues.

Ray Hanania, US

Key to road safety is close at hand

In They hoped for the best but dreaded the truth (February 5), victims of the Al Ain crash speak of their horror at losing their friends.

There is a way for the authorities to make life very difficult for persistently speeding drivers - by fitting USB-like electronic speed-monitoring keys to their vehicles.

Without this key in place, the vehicle cannot be driven. It also monitors how the vehicle is driven and reports when the applicable speed limit is exceeded.

Any harsh accelerating, braking, cornering or speeding will be relayed back to the control centre and penalties can be imposed, even to the point of demobilising the vehicle so it cannot be started.

It is effective and cheap, at about Dh120 a key, plus fitting costs, which could be charged to the driver.

J Barin, UK

Driving can be a great frustration

Some people feel comfortable driving in the UAE, while others, like me, are frustrated.

On a recent journey, I was shocked by the amount of tailgating and blocking of other vehicles, which happened three times in a couple of minutes.

However, I feel really comfortable on roads in the UK and I enjoy having a holiday drive whenever I go there.

J Lee, Dubai

Many UAE highways are traffic traps. Once an accident happens, there is no way out, so motorists are stuck in traffic for hours.

There should be a solution to this, such as regularly distanced exits so motorists can escape.

There should also be more ways of warning motorists and stopping them from driving through when accidents happen.

Something should be done, as such accidents happen regularly.

James Donato, Dubai