RTO drive for overloading of kids in vechiles
The Regional Transport Officials on Wednesday conducted a drive against overloading of schoolchildren in vehicles and violation of rules.The Transport Department had already instructed that those operating vehicles carrying children to schools and back home should have a minimum of 10 years experience.The department has also told the school managements that there should be a staff member to ensure that children boarded and disembarked from the vehicles safely.The other instructions included locks in good condition in the bus doors besides adequate grills to prevent the children from putting their hand or head through the window. Recently while hearing a public interest litigation, the High Court had directed the State Government to initiate action and to have a tight enforcement and monitoring mechanism to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.The officials issued show cause notices to 10 vehicles, including six call taxis, three vans and one school bus, for overloading.Officials said that in the event of non-compliance, the vehicle owners could be fined Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 10,000 in the first instance and for subsequent offences, the department could cancel permit.
