THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After many lengthy awareness sessions that were given to school officials and school bus drivers, the city police has decided to tighten the noose on those who flout norms in the upcoming academic year.
“Now, almost 90 per cent of all the school vehicles in city have attended our two-hour long sessions and they are well aware of the rules now. Drivers should submit their details and photographs apart from data and blood group of each child they ply. Schools should compile registers on all vans and buses and give it to us,” said assistant commissioner (North) Mohanan Nair T.
“Once schools reopen, we will coordinate with Motor Vehicle Department and take action against those who fail to abide by motor vehicle norms and other rules,” he added. During surprise checking drives last year, not even half the private school vans were able to produce fitness certificates.
As per a conservative estimate, thousands of vans ply to 130 schools in the city with up to 100 vans plying to schools. School officials lament that most private contract vehicles do not cooperate with specially deputed school safety officers.
“Police officers will have to compile and maintain the registry. Same private vans ply children to multiple schools. They don’t turn up if we organise meeting and doesn’t heed to our instructions,” the school official said. Though a minimum of 10 years experience is a requirement to be a school bus driver, police often show leniency as schools find it tough to get people for the job.
