Prayagraj: The regional transport office (RTO) in Prayagraj has decided that school vehicles not operating as per the guidelines for children’s safety will face fines up to Rs 50,000, and their vehicles can also be seized. The RTO in Prayagraj found that fitness certificates of over 300 vehicles registered in various schools of the district have expired. Notices are being sent to these vehicle owners by registered post to ensure they renew their fitness certificates. Besides, instructions have been issued to school managers and vehicle owners to check documents pertaining to the fitness of school vehicles themselves.“A fine of up to Rs 50,000 can be imposed for not having a first-aid box, reflector, insurance, and fitness certificate. Thus, instructions have been issued to school managers and vehicle owners,” said ARTO (Administration) Rajiv Chaturvedi. They have been warned that if any vehicle is caught without fitness or necessary safety documents, a fine of up to Rs 50,000 will be imposed, he added. Notices were sent to 329 vehicle owners, out of which about two dozen have taken their fitness certificates. Action will now be taken against others. Various teams have been constituted by the department to conduct checking campaigns during school time, and immediate action will be taken against those vehicles not following the required norms.Officials further said that a fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed for not having a driving licence, Rs 10,000 for not having valid insurance, Rs 10,000 for not having a pollution certificate, Rs 10,000 for not having a permit, Rs 10,000 for not having a reflector in the vehicle, and Rs 100 for not having a first-aid box. Additionally, a fine of Rs 1,000 will be imposed per passenger for carrying more passengers than the capacity.Likewise, a fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed for the first time and Rs 10,000 for the second time for not having a fitness certificate. The RTO has clarified that if any vehicle is found carrying school children without school permit or fitness, its permit can be cancelled, and the vehicle can also be seized. Apart from this, driver’s licence can also be suspended. Chaturvedi said that if, during checking, any school vehicle is found without valid fitness, permit, or contrary to the prescribed safety standards, then strict action will be taken against the school manager concerned or vehicle owner. In such cases, vehicle seizure, heavy fines, and accountability of the school administration will be fixed.
