Congestion felt around Media City

Dubai: On Day 1 of the new Salik road toll system, motorists heading from Dubai towards areas around Media City encountered heavier than usual traffic.

At around 8am on Sunday, traffic leading from Al Barsha, Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Road towards Madinat Jumeirah was more congested than normal.

Many cars were not sporting orange Salik tags on their windscreens and appeared to be taking alternative routes to avoid the Dh4 toll fee.

Traffic around Dubai Marina appeared free-flowing, but heading towards Dubai at the last free exit before the toll gate on Shaikh Zayed Road, traffic was backed up.

However, driving along the tolled stretch of road after Mall of the Emirates was unusually smooth going, with this reporter reaching Interchange 2 within 20 minutes.