Udupi: Police conducted a special inspection drive across Udupi district on July 7 to ensure the safety of schoolchildren and enforce road safety norms for vehicles transporting students. During the district-wide operation, officials inspected 483 school transport vehicles, registered 203 cases for various violations and collected ₹71,000 in fines.
The inspection was carried out in all police station limits following directions issued by Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader during a district-level review meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on July 4. He had instructed officials to closely monitor vehicles transporting schoolchildren and ensure compliance with prescribed safety standards.
District-wide inspection conducted
Police teams carried out inspections across the district to verify whether school transport vehicles were operating in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act and safety guidelines.
During the drive, officials checked essential documents, including vehicle registration papers, fitness certificates, insurance documents and permits.
The teams also verified compliance with mandatory safety requirements for school vehicles and inspected whether operators were transporting more children than the permitted seating capacity.
The special drive formed part of efforts to enhance the safety of students travelling to and from schools.
Overloading among major violations
According to the police, 112 vehicles were found carrying children in excess of the permitted capacity, making overloading the most common violation detected during the inspection.
Officials said overcrowding in school vehicles poses a serious safety risk, particularly during emergencies or accidents, and strict action would continue against violators.
In addition, 58 drivers were found not wearing the prescribed uniform, another mandatory requirement for school transport operators.
Police also detected 33 other violations, including breaches of various transport and safety regulations.
Rs 71,000 collected in fines
A total of 203 cases were registered during the district-wide enforcement drive for different categories of violations.
Police collected ₹71,000 in fines from vehicle owners and operators who were found violating road safety norms and transport regulations.
Officials said the action was intended not only to enforce compliance but also to create awareness among school vehicle operators about the importance of adhering to safety standards.
Focus on student safety
The inspection drive reflects the district administration’s renewed focus on ensuring safe transportation for schoolchildren.
Police said similar enforcement drives would continue in the coming weeks to ensure that school transport vehicles comply with all mandatory norms relating to fitness, permits, insurance, driver conduct and passenger safety.
Authorities have urged school managements and transport operators to strictly follow the prescribed guidelines and avoid overloading vehicles, emphasising that student safety must remain the highest priority.
The district police reiterated that regular inspections and enforcement measures would continue to minimise risks and ensure a safer commuting environment for schoolchildren across Udupi district.