Prayagraj Transport Department Takes Strict Action Against Unfit School Vehicles
The transport department in Prayagraj has launched a major crackdown on school vehicles that fail to meet safety standards, issuing notices to the owners of 251 vehicles and separate notices to the managements of the schools they operate for. This decisive move aims to enhance road safety and prevent accidents involving school transport.
Accountability and Safety Enforcement
RTO Prayagraj Himesh Tiwari emphasized that in the event of any accident involving unfit vehicles, both the vehicle owners and the school authorities will be held accountable. He stated that this action is designed to enforce stricter compliance with safety norms and reduce the risk of road mishaps. According to official data, approximately 2,400 school vehicles are registered in the district, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Verification Drive Reveals Discrepancies
A recent online verification drive conducted by the department flagged discrepancies in the documents of 439 school vehicles. Of these, 251 vehicles were declared unfit due to failing fitness norms, while 188 had incomplete documentation. In response, the registrations of the 188 vehicles with incomplete papers have been suspended with immediate effect, ensuring only compliant vehicles remain on the roads.
Formation of School Transport Safety Committee
To bolster safety measures, Assistant RTO (administration) Rajeev Chaturvedi has directed schools to establish a School Transport Safety Committee. This committee will include:
- The naib tehsildar
- The SHO of the local police station
- Representatives from relevant departments
The committee is mandated to meet four times a year to conduct thorough inspections and verification of all school transport documents, ensuring ongoing compliance.
Upcoming Special Inspection Drive
Further tightening safety protocols, a special drive will be carried out from April 1 to 15 to inspect the safety standards of school vehicles. Any vehicle found violating norms during this period will face suspension of registration. Additionally, strict actions, including the potential cancellation of school recognition, may be taken against non-compliant institutions, underscoring the department's commitment to student safety.
