ISLAMABAD (APP) - The closure of U-turn on Kashmir Highway near sector H-11 has forced the motorists to pay toll tax, who think the step as a deliberate attempt to extort money from the residents of the Federal Capital. The road users, mostly students of Islamic International University, FAST, NUST and visitors of NESCOM hospitals have to pay toll tax due to closure of signal between Kashmir Highway and AK Brohi Road by Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP). They are of the view that the closure of the U-turn has not only forced the motorists to pay toll tax, but also increased their travelling distance as well as the cost. The motorists also criticised the ITP for establishing long U-turn on different roads of the federal capital. The problem does not end here, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has yet not devise a mechanism to exempt local motorists from toll tax being collected in clear violation of the directives issued by the Islamabad High Court on January 15. The local motorists have to pay the toll tax each time they enter the limits of the capital city. According to CDA a viable and suitable mechanism would soon be evolved to exempt the residents of the capital. The local motorists have been raising voice against toll tax while travelling between the twin cities, terming it unjust and against their fundamental rights. The residents were of the view that CDA is hesitant to provide them any relief apparently to avoid the wrath of the private companies that are running the affairs of the three toll plazas set up on Kashmir Highway, Islamabad Highway and IJ Principle Road. Under the agreement, the private companies financed the project including the cost of construction, and supply and installation of equipment and operation management, while CDA provided the land for the construction of these toll plazas. A concession period of five years was given to the companies to collect the toll as per the approved rates after which the facility would be returned to CDA. The contractors are charging toll tax worth Rs5 for cars, Rs 10 for taxicabs, Rs 20 for mini buses, Rs 25 for trucks (2 axles), Rs 50 for trucks (3 axles), Rs 100 for trailers and Rs 400 for light vehicle commuters (annual passes). The resident of the Federal Capital opined that the concerned authorities might issue special passes for the local motorists after reviewing their permanent addresses through their computerised national identity cards. They further said that ITP should also have to consult the residents of the different sectors before setting up of U-turn.