Ahead of school reopenings, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Lucknow has issued a stern warning to owners of 122 school vehicles found operating with expired fitness certificates. These vehicles have been transporting children despite their invalid permits.
The RTO has sent notices to all defaulting vehicle owners, stating unequivocally that unfit vehicles or those with incomplete documentation will not be allowed on the roads once schools resume. Any such vehicle found operating will result in action against both the vehicle owner and the concerned school management.
Officials noted that many owners had previously ignored multiple notices. With children's safety now paramount, this serves as a final warning. Out of over 4,500 registered school vehicles in Lucknow, 122 have been operating without valid fitness certificates and updated documents for an extended period.
The RTO emphasized that no compromise on children's safety will be tolerated, making compliance with all safety standards, in addition to fitness, mandatory. Parents are also urged to personally verify the condition of the school vehicles their children use, ensuring they meet safety requirements like yellow paint, strong window grills, fire extinguishers, school branding, a school attendant, secure door locks, a first-aid box, GPS, CCTV, and police verification for the driver.
