MVD conducts safety inspections of school vehicles in Kozhikode
Kozhikode: The Motor Vehicle Department has launched inspections to ensure the safety of travel in school vehicles. With over 500 school buses operating in the district, inspections are being carried out by Motor Vehicle Inspectors from respective offices under each Sub R T Office's jurisdiction.
Kozhikode RTO P R Sumesh stated that all vehicles would undergo checks before schools reopen. Vehicles failing the fitness test are required to reappear after resolving the issues.
Currently, inspections are conducted at schools, and they will soon extend to testing grounds within office limits.
The inspection focuses on tyre wear, wipers, lights, brakes, and seat cleanliness.
Auto and contact carriage vehicles are also examined to prevent overcrowding, ensuring children's safety. The Motor Vehicle Department recommends installing GPS systems in all school vehicles to aid in tracing them in case of accidents in remote areas.
Key Instructions:
- School vehicle drivers must have at least ten years of driving experience, with five years required for heavy vehicle drivers.
- Educational buses must display ‘Education Institution Bus’ clearly on the front and rear.
- Transport vehicles not owned by the institution but used for transporting children should bear a sign saying ‘On School Duty’ in blue letters on a white surface.Drivers must not have convictions for drunk driving, speeding, or other offences.
- School vehicles should be fitted with speed governors limiting their speed to 50 kmph.
- Each school bus should have attendants equal to the number of doors.
- Children should be seated according to the vehicle's capacity.
- Use of cooling films, curtains should be avoided.