The continuing dispute over allowing free passage for local residents through the Panniyankara toll plaza on the National Highway-544 was settled during a meeting held here on Friday.

People residing within 10 km from the toll plaza will be exempted from toll fee, it was decided at the meeting presided over by K. Radhakrishnan, MP, at Wadakkancherry on Friday evening.

Earlier, a meeting convened at the Collectorate had decided to allow free ride for the people living within seven-and-a-half kilometres from the toll plaza. Apart from Mr. Radhakrishnan, P.P. Sumod, MLA, District Collector G. Priyanka, and officials of the National Highway Authority of India and the toll contracting company took part in the meeting.

But when an all-party meeting was held at Wadakkancherry in the evening, most stakeholders insisted on giving exemption for the people living within 10 km. The meeting finally agreed on 10 km exemption.

Additional District Magistrate (ADM) K. Manikandan, who took part in the Wadakkancherry meeting, was entrusted with the duty of preparing the limits. Mr. Manikandan will present his final report before March 31.

Further discussions will be held in May about giving toll exemption for school vehicles.

Toll collection started at Panniyankara plaza on March 9, 2022. Since then, those living in six neighbouring panchayats have been enjoying toll exemption by showing their vehicle registration certificates at the plaza.