Transport department cracks down on unsafe school vehicles in Mohali

The drive was conducted near Yadavindra Public School (YPS) and Lawrence Public School following complaints from parents and members of the public regarding safety violations and traffic irregularities during school opening and dispersal hours

The Punjab transport department launched a special enforcement drive near two major schools in Mohali on Wednesday, penalising vehicles found violating the Punjab government’s Safe School Vahan Policy and warning that similar surprise inspections would continue across the district.

During the drive, several vehicles were challaned for violating provisions of the Safe School Vahan Policy and the Motor Vehicles Act. (HT Photo)

The drive was conducted near Yadavindra Public School (YPS) and Lawrence Public School following complaints from parents and members of the public regarding safety violations and traffic irregularities during school opening and dispersal hours.

The inspection was led by regional transport officer (RTO) Harpreet Singh Atwal, accompanied by assistant regional transport officers Gagandeep Singh and Rohit Garg. The team inspected school buses, private vans, auto-rickshaws and other vehicles engaged in transporting students.

During the drive, several vehicles were challaned for violating provisions of the Safe School Vahan Policy and the Motor Vehicles Act. Officials found instances of overcrowding of students, absence or malfunctioning of mandatory safety equipment, and deficiencies in statutory documents.

Among the violations detected were the absence or malfunctioning of CCTV cameras, speed governors, first-aid boxes and fire extinguishers, besides lapses relating to commercial permits, fitness certificates and other mandatory documents.