Hyderabad:Cases were booked against as many as 21 private school buses in a fitness check conducted by the traffic police and the transport department in Panjagutta, Gopalapuram, Ameerpet, Tolichowki, Secunderabad, among other areas. Notices were issued to private bus operators on Tuesday.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad Traffic DCP Rahul Hegde said the managements of several schools in Hyderabad have been informed about the Supreme Court guidelines regarding the safe transport of school children, as stated in W.P. (Civil) 1309 of 1985.
“According to the Supreme Court’s guidelines, vehicles must have a valid Passenger Transport Vehicle permit, "On School Duty" must be clearly written on both the front and back of the vehicle, vehicles must not exceed their permitted seating capacity, no child should sit on another's lap, and a first-aid box and drinking water must be available in the vehicle. Additionally, the school's name and phone number should be displayed on the vehicle, and drivers must have at least five years of experience and a clean traffic record,” he said.
He further added, “As per G.O. MS No. 41 dated 11.05.2006 of the education department, schools must have adequate personnel to manage the movement of children and ensure road safety. However, many institutions lack sufficient staff to handle road safety and traffic management, exacerbating the congestion problem. An attendant must be present in every vehicle to ensure children's safety during travel and when boarding."
“In many schools, parents' vehicles are not being allowed into the designated 30 per cent parking space, contributing to the daily traffic chaos. Despite repeated advisories and guidelines, schools have not implemented corrective measures, leading to significant traffic congestion around schools, causing public inconvenience and compromising children's safety,” he said.
The buses were fined under Section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act, seized, and sent to the transport department. They must pay the fine and get their vehicles released, said Inspector Mohd. Ghouse Khan.
He said schools are required to acknowledge the receipt of this notice and take immediate action to comply with the guidelines to ensure the safety and convenience of students and the public.
