Time to end parking problem

A reader calls for a solution to Abu Dhabi's parking problems. Other topics: Emirati soldiers, good samaritan, taxis, vaping

A reader urges Abu Dhabi authorities to resolve the shortage of car parks. Sammy Dallal / The National

Abu Dhabi is undoubtedly well-planned and spacious (Abu Dhabi drivers frustrated at lack of parking spaces, September 11). However, the issue of lack of car parks has been haunting residents and visitors alike for quite a long time.

The authorities need to invest in building multistorey car parks to accommodate the growing number of vehicles. It is only fair to fine motorists when they commit offences but in this case, there are not enough facilities so people are compelled to take risks and double-park.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Lucky to live in a country like this

I am proud of the Emirati soldiers who gave their lives for their country, as well as the Rulers and the people of this country, who showed so much compassion for the bereaved families (Last of Emirati soldiers who fell defending Yemen arrive back home, September 13). I feel blessed to live here.

The way the Rulers support, protect and show their concerns and respect to every citizen and resident is incredible.

I am not an Emirati, but I truly feel part of the community.

May God always bless this country and its people.

I would also like to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to the families of the martyrs.

Oum Mohammed, Abu Dhabi

May God bless the souls of the martyrs. I offer my condolences to their families and to the people of the UAE.

Georges Robehmed, UK

To help or not to help

It was interesting to read about the young man who stopped to help road crash victims out of the wreckage and was told by police to wait until an ambulance came (UAE lawyers want 'Good Samaritans' protected, September 13). There are laws in some parts of the US that mandate helping people in distress. If there was something that you as a passer-by could have done, and did not do, you could be held responsible for negligence or indifference.

Monica Carver, Dubai

While well-intentioned, the young man could have seriously injured someone. There is a reason that emergency staff have training.

What we need is for ambulances to be able to get through traffic faster. I saw an ambulance get blocked by drivers on Sheikh Zayed Road who simply refused to move even though it had its lights and sirens on.

D Lapin, Dubai

It was surely a brave and selfless act. But there was also the possibility that the victims might have suffered graver injuries. So it’s not as clear cut as some might make it seem. Still, kudos to the young man for his actions.

Sebastian Mascarenhas, Dubai

Taxis must have GPS devices

Recently we called a taxi to take our visitors to a hotel on The Palm. Since the driver could not understand our instructions, we proceeded to have the taxi company give him directions over the phone. But that was not helpful. The driver took several wrong routes and eventually reached the destination half an hour late.

In another incident, a taxi picked up my friends at the Dubai airport this week and he did not know where Meadows 7 was. He could have easily reached the place with the help of GPS. It is time that all Dubai taxis had GPS devices installed to avoid such incidents.

Name withheld by request

Vaping may be a better option

In reference to your editorial More study required on e-cigarettes (September 13), I had a friend who smoked 20 cigarettes a day, although he had breathing issues.

He started vaping and is now a very active runner, cyclist and swimmer. It may not be 100 per cent safe, but I think this is at least a better alternative.

Richard Smith, Dubai