Hyderabad’s traffic police have initiated a stringent crackdown on vehicles transporting more than the permissible number of schoolchildren. On Thursday alone, authorities registered 621 cases, including those for driving without a licence, underage driving, and operating without proper documentation. Among these, 95 cases specifically involved vehicles carrying schoolchildren beyond their capacity.
The operation, carried out by special traffic police teams, took place in two shifts—from 7:30 am to 9:30 am and from 3 pm to 5 pm. The teams targeted a range of violations, including auto rickshaws operating without fitness certificates or licences, instances of drunk driving, and overloading. Specifically, regulations dictate that auto rickshaws designed to carry three passengers should not transport more than six children aged 12 years and below, and those meant for four passengers should not carry more than eight children.
In addition to enforcement, the teams are set to engage with school managements and parents, offering guidance on safe transport practices for schoolchildren. Parents are advised against transporting more children on two-wheelers than is safe. The police have underscored the importance of verifying the validity of vehicle documents, including driving licences, registration, insurance, and fitness certificates, to ensure compliance with safety standards. “Transporting children in an overloaded vehicle is a clear violation of traffic rules and endangers the lives of kids,” stated the police in an official release. “We request school managements and parents to check the validity of documents, driving licence, registration, insurance, and fitness certificates of vehicles.”
Moreover, the traffic police have appealed to citizens to report any violations by school buses, vans, and autos via the Hyderabad Traffic Police’s Facebook and X accounts or through the dedicated helpline number (9010203626). This crackdown is part of a broader effort to enhance road safety and ensure the well-being of schoolchildren. Overloaded and improperly documented vehicles pose significant risks, including the potential for accidents and reduced efficacy of emergency responses. By enforcing these regulations and promoting awareness, the Hyderabad traffic police aim to mitigate these risks and foster a safer commuting environment for students. The collaborative approach, involving both enforcement and education, reflects a comprehensive strategy to address the issue of overcrowded school vehicles. Ensuring that vehicles meet safety standards and that parents and school administrations are aware of the regulations is crucial for the long-term success of this initiative. As this drive continues, the traffic police are hopeful that compliance will increase, leading to safer roads for all Hyderabad residents.
