Sambalpur, Dec. 10: Lawyers of the Bargarh Bar Association today stopped toll collection at the Barhaguda tollgate on the National Highway No. 6, accusing the authorities of collecting tax without completing the four-laning work.

The lawyers manned the gate, located between Sambalpur and the Chhattisgarh border, and allowed vehicles to pass through it without paying the charges.

"They should start collecting the toll once the job is nearing completion," said association president Bibhuti Padhee.

The highway is being widened to a four-lane stretch from Ainthapali Chhak in Sambalpur to the Chhattisgarh border in Bargarh district. A tollgate has been installed at Barhaguda in Bargarh. A private construction firm, Ashoka Buildcon, is executing the job.

". Consequently, several accidents are taking place on the stretch. We are, therefore, forced to take the step today solely due to the authority's apathy<>," said Padhee.