PUNE: The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has said that a parent taking two or more kids to school on his or her two-wheeler will face action by the authority under the Motor Vehicle Act. The Maharashtra State Transport Department has directed all RTOs across the State to take action against those violating the rule of riding two or more kids on their scooter or motorbike.
An order issued by Additional Transport Commissioner SB Sahasrabuddhe said that from November 25, a fortnight-long special drive has been started under which action was being taken against school buses, vans and autorickshaws which were not following school transport rules or violating the rules set by the transport department. Meanwhile, the autorickshaws carrying school children who are not registered with the RTO to carry school children will also face action. The rickshaws carrying more than five children will face action.
“As part of the current drive, motorcycles carrying students should also be checked. If it is found that more than the approved number of passengers are being carried or that the driver or the pillion riding student is not wearing the helmet, then strict action should be taken against the violators,” the order stated which was issued on December 4.
Pune RTO Ajit Shinde told Sakal Times that they will soon start action against motorbike/scooter riders who violate the rules for carrying two or more children to school. “We have been acting against autorickshaws and school vans which were violating the rules for school transport. Since the transport commissioner has now asked us to also check the two-wheelers, we will start implementing it,” said Sinde.
However, since November 25, the Pune RTO has taken action against 150 school vans and autorickshaws for violating the rules, said Shinde. “We have advised parents that they should stop sending their kids to school in unauthorised vehicles. If the drive causes inconvenience to students - being ferried in autorickshaws – the parents and autorickshaw owners will be responsible for it,” he said.
After a Bombay High Court order on November 25, the RTO has launched a drive to ensure that the school transport vehicles are plying in the city with proper authorisations and as per rules.
“No autorickshaw has been granted a permit to operate as a school transport vehicle. Hence, parents need to take care while hiring a vehicle to send their wards to school. Parents have to take precautions while hiring an autorickshaw for the purpose,” said Pune RTO in a statement released on Friday.
“Parents and vehicle owners should take precautions that the vehicle does not carry more kids than the permitted number. The RTO is taking strict action against the violators and if inconvenience is caused to the students, the parents and the operators will be responsible for that,” read the statement.
