VEHARI, Jan 9: Local transporters and traders strongly protested against overcharging and misbehaviour by the toll tax collecting staff.

According to Oil-tankers Association president Ghulam Rasool, they were very rude and did not hesitate in thrashing anyone who argued with them on overcharging.

He said the district government had fixed Rs10 per vehicles but the toll staff charged from Rs20 to Rs30.

Mr Rassol quoted his personal experience that he was surrounded by armed men when he refused to pay Rs30. They threatened him that he would be implicated in a criminal case.

A group of traders said the staff used filthy language even in the presence of women and children.

They said they had to pay whatever was demanded in order to save themselves from any embarrassment.

They claimed that in some cases, the toll staff did not give receipt of the amount received.