Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Oct 15: South India Motor Transport Association president, G R Shanmugappa, warned that the trucks along with commercial and transport vehicles will go on indefinite strike if the state government decides to collect toll charges in state highways.

At the convention of South India transporters held at the NIMHANS convention centre here on Sunday October 14, the trucks and commercial vehicle owners associaitions unanimously decided to hold stir against toll charges.

"When Siddaramaiah was the chief minister, preparations were made to set up  19 tollgates. After our organization expressed opposition, the decision was withheld. The current government has again decided to rob us. We will begin strike from the date from which toll collection decision is taken," he added.

He said that currently the trucks are compelled to pay Rs 3.50 per kilometre as toll charges. He said the chief minister, Kumaraswamy, will be met soon and the representatives will try to convince him against collecting toll charges on state highways.

At the convention, people expressed anguish at the harassment by regional transport offices on highways. Many said that not less than Rs 1,500 is demanded in Jhalki check post alone. It was decided against making any payment to regional transport officials and to stop the vehicles at the check posts if there is harassment, as accumulation of trucks there will create traffic blocks, which will make everyone come to know what is happening.  It was also decided that from November 1, no truck owners will bear the charges of loading and unloading and that it is the responsibility of the owners of commodities.