Tollgate operators cannot divert traffic: Upa Lok Ayukta

Upa Lok Ayukta K.P. Balachandran on Tuesday ordered the police and the National Highway (NH) authorities to ensure that operators of the tollgate at Aakulam did not impede traffic while collecting levy from motorists.

Media reports

The Upa Lok Ayukta had taken a case on his own against the tollgate operators on the basis of media reports that the men had illegally placed barrels on the congested two-lane road to divert traffic to their convenience.

Moreover, motorists had complained that they often felt short-changed when they paid toll.

Most were given toffees instead of the full balance amount after payment of levy.

Misbehaviour

Their complaints also included misbehaviour by those who manned the tollgate.

The court had summoned Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP), Fort and Shanghumugham, and asked them what they proposed to do about the illegal diversion of traffic and other complaints regarding the tollgate operation.

ACP, Shanghumugham, Jawahar Janard, told the court that the police would soon place closed-circuit cameras at the tollgate to monitor its operations round-the-clock. The police would verify the antecedents of the tollgate staff and issue them identity cards.

The court had summoned the Assistant Executive Engineer of the NH Wing of the Public Works Department. The Judge criticised the officials for not being able to answer its questions and for having come apparently ill-prepared to the hearing.

She could not tell the court about the contract conditions and even who the tollgate contractor was, the judge said. The forum will hear the case again at a later date.