Hyderabad: The Hyderabad traffic police is creating awareness among parents against sending children to school in overloaded vehicles by highlighting the dangers involved.
In their special drives, the traffic police has booked 1,513 drivers in five days for transporting more children than permitted. Among them, 1,293 were driving autorickshaws, 217 vans and three were driving buses and four-wheelers.
Among the violators 22 drivers were drunk, 95 did not have a driver licence. These drivers will be chargesheeted may get imprisonment along with fine. Their driver licences may be suspended.
Parents asked why they should be counselled, as it is the duty of police to be strict with the drivers.Secunderabad resident Samuel Sudhakar tweeted to the traffic police after they shared an awareness message for the parents. “Why should parents be counselled? Carrying passengers beyond seating capacity is not permitted. It is the responsibility of the police to ensure this is strictly adhered to. Autowallahs have no fear of law, they are unruly and undisciplined. They need to be counselled first,” Mr Sudhakar said.
A parent disagreed. Mr Ramu J. Rao said, “Safety is the responsibility of parents. When we know that autorickshaws have more children, it is better to choose another vehicle.” He said traffic police should run safety drives and counsel drivers and parents.
“Why opt for overloaded autos in the first place? Parents have to think of children’s safety’,” Mr Rao said. Ms Arvinda Jata, member of Hyderabad Schools Public Association, held parents and the police responsible.
“It is the drivers who are to be counselled first. I have seen parents who opt for autos which are overloaded. Isn't it their responsibility to talk to the driver and complain to the authorities?
