Abu Dhabi toll gates to implement charges from Jan 2, no fee during non-peak hours

The four toll gates in Abu Dhabi will be operational from January 2, 2020, officials have confirmed.

Tolls will also only be charged during the peak hours, from 7am – 9am and 5pm-7pm from Saturday to Thursday, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Twitter.

Motorists will be charged Dhs4 per crossing, capped at Dhs16 per day and Dhs200 per month for private vehicles.

Previously, there were plans to charge a fee of Dhs2 for crossing the toll gate during on-peak hours, on Fridays and during public holidays.

.@AbuDhabiDMT announces that Abu Dhabi Toll Gate System will start operating on 4 bridges from 2 Jan 2020, with fees to be levied only during peak hours, 7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM Saturday to Thursday. pic.twitter.com/nMSqFxOTK5

— Abu Dhabi Government Media Office (@admediaoffice) December 22, 2019

Abu Dhabi announced in July that it will set up four toll gates across the city on Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Bridge, Al Maqtaa Bridge and Mussafah Bridge.

The system is hoped to help reduce traffic congestion.

The gates became operational on October 15, although motorists are not being charged.

The free trial period is aimed at giving motorists more time to complete the registration system and will also provide residents a chance to “plan the best travel times and explore transport alternatives”, the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DoT) said at the time.

Certain categories will also be exempt from the toll.

Senior Emiratis (aged over 60), People of Determination, limited-income Emiratis and Emirati retirees will be exempt, along with taxis licenced in Abu Dhabi, towed vehicles, public buses and school buses.

According to officials, up to 44,00 vehicles enter and exit Abu Dhabi island reaches per hour, including 24,000 entering the city and 20,000 exiting the area.