Drivers in Abu Dhabi and the UAE should know all about the road tolls coming to the capital by now.
The city-wide system, which comprises four toll gates, went live on October 15 and is set to start charging drivers passing through the gates from January 1.
Text messages with the log-in details for Abu Dhabi drivers have began to be sent out to those with vehicles registered in the capital.
All drivers with vehicles registered in Abu Dhabi are set to receive their log in details for their account in the coming weeks.
Those with vehicles registered in other emirates will have to create an account by visiting www.itps.itc.gov.ae.
All drivers are responsible for logging in and topping up their account before passing through the gates once they go live in 2020.
Electric cars and emergency services are exempt from the tolls.
Once the tariffs come into effect, drivers will be charged Dhs4 during peak periods from 7am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm, Saturday to Thursday.
A Dhs2 off-peak fee applies outside these times, as well as Fridays and public holidays.
There is a daily cap of Dhs16 in charges per vehicle, a monthly cap of Dhs200 will be placed on each vehicle and Dhs150 to a second vehicle in a single resident’s name.
Fines will also be in place for drivers who pass through a gate with insufficient balance or without setting up an account.
Passing through a toll gate with an unregistered vehicle, after a ten day grace period, will result in a Dhs100 fine for the first day, Dhs200 for the second day, Dhs400 for the third day, up to the maximum fine of Dhs10,000.
Passing through a toll gate with insufficient balance, after the ten day grace period will result in a fine of Dhs50.
Drivers who tamper with their license plate in order to evade the toll will also be fined Dhs10,000. The good news is, for driver paying fines within 30 days of receiving them, can make use of a 25 percent discount off of the total according to The Department of Transport.
An online carpooling platform has also been launched to encourage drivers to reduce the number of cars on the road during peak traffic hours.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of January 1.
When does it launch?
The new system is now in place and tolls will be effective from January 1 2020. Before then, drivers will be required to have an account and topped it up with credit.
How much will it cost?
A total of Dhs4 will be charged every time a vehicle passes through one of the gates in Abu Dhabi during peak times. Peak times are between 7am and 9am then 5pm and 7pm Saturday to Thursday. During off-peak hours and public holidays, the fee will be reduced Dhs2. A maximum fee of Dhs16 will be charged each day, so drivers passing through four or more toll gates each day at peak times will not be charged more than the daily maximum. Some government vehicles, emergency services and motorcycles are exempt from the charge. Electric cars are being given a two-year grace period and must be registered from October 2021.
When is the fee reduced?
During off-peak hours, Fridays and public holidays the toll will be reduced to Dhs2. Off peak hours are between 7pm and 7am then 9am to 5pm, Saturday to Thursday.
How is it charged?
Drivers are required to create an account before the launch on January 1 where they can add credit. Vehicles will not be required to add a sticker to their window and they will instead be identified by the license plate number and credit will be taken automatically from the owner’s account.
How do I set up an account?
Drivers are now able to register their vehicle and prepare for the January 1 launch date by visiting www.itps.itc.gov.ae. Drivers with vehicles registered in Abu Dhabi will be automatically added to the system. All users registering must have a valid Emirates ID card, car registration, email address and phone number to create their account. Additionally, for drivers with vehicles registered outside Abu Dhabi, a minimum of Dhs100 must be added to an account when being registered for the new system. An amount of this deposit, said to be Dhs50, will be paid back into the users account to be used to pay tolls.
Are there fines?
Fines will be in place for a number of different offences effective from January 1. Passing through a toll gate with an unregistered vehicle, after a ten-day grace period, will result in a Dhs100 fine for the first day, Dhs200 for the second day, Dhs400 for the third day, up to the maximum fine of Dhs10,000. Passing through a toll gate with insufficient balance, after the ten day grace period will result in a fine of Dhs50. Drivers who tamper with their license plate in order to evade the toll will also be fined Dhs10,000.
Can you use a Dubai Salik account?
No, drivers will be required to have a separate account for the Abu Dhabi tolls. The two road toll systems are entirely independent of one another. So drivers commuting between the capital and Dubai will have to ensure they have sufficient balance in their Abu Dhabi and Salik account or face fines.
Where are the tolls?
Four toll gates throughout Abu Dhabi and these are already in place but are not yet activated. The tolls are located at the following bridges: Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Bridge, Al Maqtaa Bridge and Mussafah Bridge. Drivers who are on the roads on Abu Dhabi island not passing through gates will not be charged. In addition, those on Yas Island, Khalifa City A, Al Raha Beach and the surrounding areas, not travelling to Abu Dhabi island, will not have to pay tolls.
Why has this been introduced?
The Department of Transport – Abu Dhabi says it aims to reduce traffic congestion and raise the efficiency of public transport services with the introduction of the new system. The move also aims to encourage drivers to consider carpooling and reducing the number of vehicles on the road in the city. To help residents get around the city 327 new buses have been introduced to Abu Dhabi.
Where can I find out more?
For more information, visit www.itps.itc.gov.ae
