Date of meeting: 21/06/2011
Time of meeting: 14:52
Venue: W104
Group members:
Chair: Mubarak H00205800
Minutes taker: Hedley
Participant: Hakim H00055410
Agenda:
1- Improving existing road system
2- Improving public transport
3- Relocating public buildings off the island of A.D.
4- Raising age of licence holders
5- Salik scheme for A.D.
6- Parking scheme
Chairman Mubarak called the meeting to order at 14:52.
We discussed the traffic problems here in A.D. The purpose of the meeting was to examine possible solutions to the problems, with particular reference as to which were the most viable. To begin with we briefly discussed the causes of the problem. Hedley said the 2 main general reasons were the increase in the size of the population, linked to the rapid economic development of the past 30-40 years. The fact that A.D. is a rich city, together with the availability of cheap petrol, means that every household can afford several vehicles. In addition the rapid development of the infrastructure involves numerous construction projects, meaning many slow moving vehicles which contribute to congestion. Hakim pointed out that the existing road system simply cannot cope with the volume of traffic today.
(A) Mubarak went on to the first item on the agenda, how to improve the existing road system. Mubarak said that road widening, building tunnels and flyovers would ease the problem. Salam Street is a good example; but this project is behind schedule and, while it is, it actually makes the situation worse in the short term. Hakim pointed out that it’s very difficult to work in a confined space and in such hot + humid conditions. It was agreed that road improvements have, overall, made a big contribution already to easing the problem. Another scheme which has already helped, Hakim said, was the Khalifa Bridge.
(B) Mubarak then turned to public transport. Hakim thought that more public buses + taxis would simply make the congestion worse. Mubarak + Hakim thought a rail system would help alleviate the problem. Mubarak thought it a good idea. Hakim suggested a localized system, perhaps covering the eastern part of the island, with access to AD international airport. Mubarak thought an underground system was feasible but Hakim pointed out technical difficulties and high costs.
(C) Relocating buildings off the island. Mubarak said there was plenty of space off-island, which so far has been used mainly for housing. Hakim agreed and pointed out that new buildings could be designed and constructed with improved car-parking space.
(D) Raising the age of licence holders. Both Mubarak and Hakim were strongly opposed to this. Mubarak thought that young people would simply drive illegally, without licences, something they already do; he felt the problem would simply get worse. Hakim pointed out that beyond 18 many young people went to college and university, and they needed a car to do so.
(E) Salik scheme for AD. Hakim thought it a good idea. He suggested different types of card. To qualify for a card covering a certain area, a motorist would have to prove that he lived or worked there. Mubarak disagreed, saying it would lead to many drivers being forced to take lengthy detours, thus wasting valuable time.
(F) Parking schemes. Hedley was strongly in favour of parking permits; he has one and now it’s easier to park where he lives. Mubarak wanted more underground parking. Hakim thought that all new buildings should be legally required to have at least 2 floor levels for parking, whether underground or not.
(G) Staggered hours. This was an additional item for the agenda brought up by Hakim, who’d done some research on the subject. Mubarak felt the idea was rather confusing: good in theory but unsure whether it would work in practice.
Mubarak summarized by saying there’d been most agreement on 3 of the solutions: improving the existing road system, relocation of buildings off-island and parking schemes. He said we all agreed that a public rail system would be a benefit but we could foresee several technical and expenditure problems. He said we couldn’t agree on how a Salik system would work. Finally he said we were completely against raising the age of licence holders.
Mubarak closed the meeting at 1555.
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