BENGALURU: With the schools having reopened, the city traffic police and transport department will keep an eye on autorickshaws, vans and mini tempos ferrying children, to ensure that they are not over loaded and do not violate safety norms. The drivers will also be checked for drunk driving, as there have been several recent cases of them getting caught for driving under the influence of alcohol.
A senior police officer said, “We have directed the traffic police officials to ensure that vehicles ferrying students do not carry more than the prescribed limit of students. We have been getting complaints about overloaded autorickshaws and will take stringent action.” “School buses will also be checked if they have CCTVs and an attender to help children. Any school bus or van not complying with these rules will be intimated and they will have to take immediate measures,” the officer added.
A senior officer from the transport department said the vehicles ferrying school children should not be more than 15 years old and their fitness certificate should be in place. They should also maintain a speed limit of 40 kilometre per hour.
“Our team will carry out surprise checks and take necessary action against erring drivers and schools. Parents should also not compromise and send their wards in private vehicles just because they are cheaper than the official school transport. They should think of the children’s safety,” the officer said. The transport department has mentioned that these checks will be carried out on a frequent basis to ensure safety of the school children.
