Bantwal: Bantwal traffic police have registered 13 cases against vehicles transporting schoolchildren during a special inspection drive conducted to ensure compliance with safety regulations and protect students during their daily commute.
The operation was led by Bantwal Traffic Sub-Inspector Adarsh and focused mainly on vehicles found carrying schoolchildren beyond their permitted capacity. Officials inspected school transport vehicles and took action against those found violating prescribed safety norms.
Eight vehicles booked for overloading
During the inspection, traffic police registered cases against eight vehicles for carrying more children than the number permitted for the respective vehicles.
Officials highlighted the risks associated with overcrowding in school transport vehicles. Carrying children beyond the approved capacity can compromise their safety and make it difficult for them to move or exit the vehicle quickly in the event of an emergency.
The risk becomes particularly serious during road accidents, when overcrowding can increase the possibility of injuries and make rescue operations more difficult.
Traffic officials stressed that vehicle owners and drivers have a responsibility to ensure that every child travelling in their vehicles is provided with adequate and safe seating.
Five cases over document violations
Apart from overloading violations, traffic police registered five additional cases involving school vehicles for failing to possess the required documents and for irregularities detected in the documents produced during the inspection.
The action was part of the department’s efforts to ensure that school transport operators comply with both safety requirements and legal documentation norms.
Officials said vehicle owners and operators must ensure that all mandatory documents are valid and available before operating vehicles carrying schoolchildren.
Police warn school transport operators
Traffic police issued a stern warning to school vehicle owners and drivers against violating safety regulations.
Officials said transporting schoolchildren is a sensitive responsibility and cannot be treated like ordinary passenger transport. Vehicle operators are expected to strictly follow the permitted seating capacity and maintain all required documentation.
The police also emphasised that carrying additional children merely for convenience or to accommodate more students can put their lives at risk.
The inspection drive is intended to encourage school transport operators to prioritise safety and ensure that children reach school and return home without unnecessary risks.
Safety rules must be followed strictly
The traffic police made it clear that violations involving school transport vehicles would not be ignored. Vehicle owners and drivers have been urged to check their vehicles and documents regularly and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
The department’s action comes amid continued concerns over the safety of schoolchildren travelling by private vans, buses and other transport vehicles.
Officials said strict adherence to capacity limits and documentation requirements is essential to prevent avoidable incidents and protect young passengers.
The 13 cases registered during the latest inspection serve as a warning to other school transport operators in the area. Traffic police have indicated that similar checks could continue to ensure that vehicles ferrying children comply with safety standards.