Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Jul 8: In a special enforcement drive aimed at ensuring the safety of schoolchildren, the Udupi district police inspected school vehicles across the district and booked 203 cases for violations of safety norms. A total fine of approximately Rs 71,000 was collected during the operation.
Police inspected 483 school vehicles under the jurisdiction of various police stations across the district. During the drive, 112 cases were registered for overcrowding of students, 58 cases for drivers operating vehicles without the prescribed uniform, and 33 cases for other traffic and safety violations, taking the total number of cases to 203.
The inspection covered school buses, vans, auto-rickshaws, and other vehicles used to transport students to and from schools. Officials verified vehicle documents, fitness certificates, insurance, driving licences, and compliance with mandatory safety standards applicable to school transport vehicles. They also checked the availability of fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, emergency exits, and whether vehicles were carrying students beyond the permitted capacity.
Police initiated legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act against vehicles found violating traffic regulations and school transport safety norms. Drivers, vehicle operators, and school managements were also instructed to accord the highest priority to the safety of schoolchildren and strictly adhere to all prescribed safety measures.