Patna: District transport officers (DTOs) of the Patna division have been directed to conduct regular inspections of school vehicles and take strict action against violators. The instructions were issued by divisional commissioner Mayank Warwade during a review meeting held on Wednesday.
Zero Tolerance for Safety Lapses
Emphasising zero tolerance towards any compromise on the safety of schoolchildren and the public, Warwade also directed enforcement sub-inspectors and motor vehicle inspectors to meet their assigned revenue collection targets. The administration has mandated regular meetings of district road safety committees and child transport committees to monitor safety measures.
Coordination with Multiple Departments
DTOs have been asked to coordinate with the police, traffic department, municipal bodies, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the road construction department to improve traffic management, remove encroachments, ease congestion and install surveillance cameras.
Categorisation of School Transport Vehicles
School transport vehicles have been categorised into three groups: school-owned vehicles, vehicles hired by schools through private operators, and commercial vehicles used to ferry students with parental consent. Officials have been directed to launch special drives against overloading, operation of unregistered vehicles, and non-compliance with pollution norms.
Mandatory Requirements for School Vehicles
All school vehicles must have a valid permit, speed governor, insurance, pollution under control (PUC) certificate, and fitness certificate. Vehicles must either be painted golden yellow or display an “On School Duty” sign if hired on contract.
Mandatory safety equipment includes first-aid kits, dry-powder fire extinguishers, and retro-reflective tapes. Every school vehicle must also be fitted with GPS, a vehicle tracking device, and a panic button.
CCTV and Speed Limit Rules
School buses are required to have functional CCTV cameras, and schools must preserve footage for 60 days. However, vehicles with fewer than 14 seats are exempt from this provision. The maximum speed limit for school vehicles has been fixed at 40 kmph. Vehicles up to eight years old must undergo fitness tests every two years, while older vehicles require annual certification.
Compliance and Road Safety Education
Warwade directed school managements to activate internal child transport committees and ensure compliance with the Bihar Motor Vehicles Amendment Rules, 2020. He also stressed the need to incorporate road safety concepts such as traffic signs, U-turns, and zebra crossings into school education to promote safer road behaviour among children.
