What should have been joyful Christmas journeys have turned into frustrating ordeals for travellers, as motorists across major highways raise alarm over rampant extortion by fake council officials.

Commuters heading home to celebrate the festive season say they were stopped at multiple points by individuals posing as local government task force members, demanding illegal levies before allowing vehicles to pass. Many described the experience as harassment that added stress, delays, and unexpected costs to already expensive trips.

Some travellers accused the impostors of exploiting the heavy Christmas traffic, warning that the practice not only tarnishes the festive spirit but also poses security risks on the highways. Calls are now growing for authorities to clamp down on the fake officials and restore sanity to the roads.

As families race against time to reunite for Christmas, the extortion saga has sparked fresh concerns about safety, accountability, and the need for tighter enforcement during peak travel periods.