The State Transport Department has issued a comprehensive circular addressing the use of school vehicles for transporting children. This directive mandates stringent measures to ensure the safety of children, including the detention of vehicles and suspension of registrations for any violations.
The RTO has been instructed to conduct regular inspections and submit reports on the compliance of school vehicles with these safety provisions.
The circular mandates following fire safety instructions, maintenance of speed limits, and the prohibition about overloading. Any school vehicle found violating the safety provisions outlined in the circular will be subject to detention and suspension of its registration.
Mandatory safety equipment
Importantly, school vehicles must be equipped with the necessary fire extinguishers and seating materials that comply with fire safety standards.
The installation of fire alarms and protection systems in school buses is mandatory. The speed limits have been set for school buses, autorickshaws, and vans. The RTO has been authorised to use interceptor vehicles to monitor and enforce these limits, registering violations as criminal offences.
Furthermore, boarding children over permitted passenger limits will result in criminal charges for permit violations and excess
passengers.
Notably, school vehicles carry twice the number of children up to 12 years of age than the prescribed seating capacity. Moreover, school vehicles must ensure that CNG-LPG kits are installed following proper alteration processes as per the rules.
Additionally, intensive checks will be conducted on school buses, vans, and auto rickshaws to ensure compliance with safety standards. This includes verifying vehicle colour, external markings, and the installation of necessary safety resources. Weekly reports on these inspections must be submitted to the Transport Commissioner’s office.