Paliyekkara:  The National Highways Authority of India has issued a new set of guidelines to minimize waiting time at toll plazas and ensure service time of not more than 10 seconds per vehicle at all times, even during peak hours. It also directed that the queue of waiting vehicles should come within 10 meters. The new directions were handed over to the Toll plaza operators.

There have been an increase in illegal entry of vehicles through the electronic toll collection mode and hence strict directions were issued. NHAI said that the new guidelines will also be applicable to the new toll plazas that are to come up across the country.

If the queue of vehicles crosses 10 meters from the toll booth, then the vehicles may be allowed to cross without collecting any toll, the NHAI guidelines says. A yellow marking at a distance of 10 metres from the toll collection point will be marked in each toll lane. This is to inculcate further sense of accountability in toll plaza operators, the NHAI said.