BENGALURU: The Transport Department has directed all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) to inspect school vehicles for implementation of safety guidelines and submit reports by December 15.
An order issued by the transport commissioner on November 22 reads, “As per the decision taken in the meeting held on November 11, school vehicles operating to all schools in Bengaluru city must be inspected for safety norms. The officials concerned must conduct special inspection and if any lacunae found, legal action must be initiated against such vehicles.”
The order also says the inspection report should reach the transport commissioner by December 15 in the prescribed proforma.
As per the safety guidelines mentioned in the order, from now on, schools must send one teacher to accompany children in school vehicles. Drivers of school buses must have minimum of five years experience in driving heavy vehicles and must not have any previous record of traffic offences.
School vehicles Should Have:
‘School Bus’ prominently written on back and front
In case of hired buses, ‘On School Duty’ should be prominently displayed
No bus belonging to educational institutions should carry children in excess of permitted seating capacity
A first-aid box and fire extinguishers must be available in buses carrying school children
Windows must be fitted with horizontal grills
School name and telephone number must be written on buses
Doors of school vehicles should be fitted with reliable locks
Space should be provided under the seat for students to keep their bags
Escort from school, preferably a teacher, in the bus is a must to ensure safety
Vehicle permit must as per Motor Vehicle Act, 1988
Speed governor allowing a maximum speed of 40kmph is a must
The vehicle should not be over 15 years old from the date of registration
The vehicle must be painted in highway yellow colour wtih 150 mm line in green colour painted across the middle
Tinted glass on vehicles carrying school children is prohibited
A list consisting of students’ names, class, age, contact number, blood group and operating route must be kept in vehicle to be used in cases of emergency
Every school must constitute school cab safety committee to look into the safety of children using school transport