Urging the Union Government to withdraw the 15 per cent raise in toll gate fee and 25 per cent increase in premium for third party insurance coverage for vehicles, the Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Federation submitted a petition to the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise Pon. Radhakrishnan here on Monday.
Petition
The petition submitted by the federation president, Sella Rasamani, and the secretary, R. Paneerselvam, said that the raise would directly affect lorry owners and would lead to increase in cost of essential commodities.
The petition said that six months ago lorry owners went on an indefinite strike demanding that all toll booths across the country be removed. Owners were ready to pay for the maintenance of national highways on an annual basis. When the Centre promised to look into our demands, the strike was withdrawn.
But the raise in toll fee and premium will affect a cross-section of society, the petition said.
Mr. Radhakrishnan promised to take up the matter with the Prime Minister.
