Jamshedpur: Transport officials and police personnel conducted a surprise inspection of school transport vehicles across the city on Thursday. Teams checked fitness certificates of vans, buses and autorickshaws, inspected the driving licences, insurance papers, pollution certificates and permits outside the school premises.District transport officer (DTO) Maheshwari Prasad Yadav, and traffic DSP Neeraj Kumar, led the inspections which were carried out outside Rajendra Vidyalaya and Sacred Heart Convent School. Several vehicles did not meet the prescribed fitness standards, had incomplete, outdated or missing documents. The team also checked whether vehicles were carrying students beyond their permitted capacity.Yadav said inspection was carried based on complaints that several vehicles were ferrying students more than their permitted capacities. Several shortcomings were found during the checks and the operators were warned.“Vehicle operators have been asked to ensure that their vehicles meet the standards and have all necessary documents within 15 days. Those found failing to requirements will face action. Drivers found violating the rules were also reprimanded,” DTO said.Traffic DSP Neeraj Kumar said the drivers and vehicle operates were asked to comply with the Supreme Court guidelines and prescribed safety standards for school transport vehicles. “Vehicles found carrying students beyond their permitted capacity will attract heavy fines under the Motor Vehicles Act. In serious cases, such vehicles may also be seized,” Kumar said.The traffic DSP added that the inspection drive would continue and action would be taken against the vehicle operators found violating the rules.DTO said school managements were asked to hold meetings with vehicle operators and ensure they comply with the norms. “They have also been advised to inform parents not to send their children in vehicles that are unfit for road use or have been declared condemned,” Yadav said.
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