As per the directions issued by the the Supreme Court and the High Court mandating special norms for buses and autos ferrying school children, the Transport Department here on Thursday conducted a check on auto rickshaws and vans that are used to ply school children to the schools.
Transport Commissioner S D Sundaresan said a total of 175 autos and 12 vans were inspected since the drive was launched on Thursday to ensure that the vehicles followed safety norms while transporting school children. The vehicles were also checked for proper documents following which they were issued a sticker confirming that the vehicles were running in compliance with the set norms.
Initially, the department had conducted a check on institutional buses for ensuring safety of the students. So far, 189 buses have been checked and issued stickers.
The Transport Commissioner said the aim of the drive was to increase the confidence of the parents who were sending their children to schools in autos. It would also deter them from using ‘non-compliant autos’, he added.
The drive for checking autorickshaws would continue for two more days at the Mettupalayam branch of RTO.