Frustrated car driver rams toll barrier at Chennai airport after server glitch

CHENNAI: Tension prevailed in Chennai airport on Monday night after a frustrated passenger rammed his car into the tollgate barrier after a long delay in parking fee collection.

According to airport sources, the server at the airport toll plaza was down during the night, and the staff could not generate the parking fee slips.

This resulted in a long queue of vehicles waiting for more than 10 minutes. One passenger in his car, grew angry and began arguing with the toll staff.

In the heat of the moment, the passenger lost his temper and attempted to drive through by smashing the toll barrier. The staff, however, blocked his vehicle and alerted the Airport police.

The staff explained that the barrier was damaged and initially demanded Rs 7,500 as a penalty. The passenger argued that he had already been kept waiting due to the system failure and claimed staff had been rude to him.

The Airport police who visited the spot, noted lapses on both sides and said alternative arrangements should have been made during the server downtime, and that staff should not have been disrespectful to passengers.

After negotiations, the fine was reduced to Rs 3,000. The passenger paid the amount, collected a receipt, and left with his car.