Ensuring Proper Fastag Placement: New Guidelines from NHAI
In recent times, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has identified several instances of motorists evading toll payments by keeping their Fastag in pockets rather than affixing it to the windshield. This issue has been observed on key routes such as the Allahabad bypass, the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway, and various Greenfield Highways.
Toll Collection and Evasion
The toll system on these expressways operates on a pay-per-kilometer basis, meaning charges are applied based on the distance traveled from entry to exit. The Fastag is designed to streamline this process, but some drivers attempt to bypass toll fees by displaying their Fastag in a pocket rather than placing it on their windshield. This tactic not only delays the process but also compromises the efficiency of the toll collection system.
New Penalty Guidelines
In response, the National Highways Maintenance and Management Company Limited (NHMCL) has issued a new directive. According to the latest circular, vehicles entering the Fastag lanes without a properly affixed tag will incur a penalty of “double the user fee” of the applicable toll. This measure is aimed at discouraging fraudulent practices and ensuring compliance. Additionally, toll collection agencies are required to prominently display this penalty information at toll plazas and maintain CCTV footage capturing clear vehicle registration details for cases where double fees are charged.
Advantages of Proper Fastag Placement
Installing the Fastag on the front windshield offers several benefits. It allows for instantaneous reading of the tag by toll scanners as vehicles approach the toll plaza, thereby expediting the process and reducing wait times for vehicles in the queue. Proper placement ensures that the tag is easily scannable by toll cameras, facilitating a smoother and faster toll payment experience for all road users.
Conclusion
Adhering to the correct placement of Fastag not only avoids additional charges but also contributes to the overall efficiency of highway toll operations. By following the new guidelines and ensuring proper installation of Fastag, motorists can contribute to a more streamlined and efficient toll collection system.