Kochi: The Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) has asked all stage carrier operators except KSRTC in the region to maintain and carry trip sheets without fail and started inspections at various points in the city to ensure the same.
This after the cops and the MVD officials often fail to charge original crew in cases of mishaps or other offences.
“For instance, often the conductor or helper drives the bus, especially during nights or late trips. They might not be having heavy vehicle driving license. In case of a mishap, the owner will produce a driver having the license and other mandatory permissions and escape harsh charges,” said K. Manoj Kumar, Enforcement RTO.
The trip sheets should contain names of crew handling the various duties along with license numbers before each schedule.
“We’ve called a meeting of the private bus owners and asked them to adhere to the direction without fail from today. We’ll allow trip sheet photocopy for two weeks after they sought sufficient time to print the document,” the officer said.
The MVD started holding surprise inspections at different points in the city and the crew should produce the trip sheet during the checking, failing which their licenses will be cancelled besides imposing fine.
“A day-long inspection was held at the Vytilla Hub when most of the buses were found adhering to the direction. The checking will continue in the coming days,” the officer said.
The bus owners should maintain ‘Trip Register’ and should update the details on a daily basis. “This will help us to ensure the buses operate full trips and stick to the schedules,” he said.
Meanwhile, the MVD on Tuesday initiated a drive against use of tinted glass. The checking was held at Infopark premises and action taken against nearly 20 vehicles.
