Crackdown on school vehicles in Kollam-OxBig News Network

In the wake of the increasing number of accidents involving school vehicles, the Kollam City police conducted a crackdown on school vehicles on Monday to ensure the safety of children by checking whether drivers were under the influence of intoxicants, possessed valid licences, and if the vehicles had the necessary safety certificates.

While surprise inspections were held at 33 locations within Kollam City, a total of 551 vehicles were checked. During the inspection, cases were registered against two school bus drivers who were found to be under the influence of alcohol while transporting students. Additionally, fines were imposed on three vehicles without pollution certificates and two vehicles with unpaid taxes.

During a vehicle check conducted by the Kollam West police at Vellaiyittampalam Junction within the Kollam West station limits, it was found that the driver of a private vehicle that was transporting children to various schools in Thangassery was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested by the police. The children who were stranded on the way were taken to their respective schools by the police driver in the same vehicle. In another incident, the Kannanallur police arrested a private school vehicle driver who was on his way to pick up children from their homes in an inebriated state. The vehicle was seized, and a case was registered against the driver.

Pollution certificates

Two private school vehicles operating without valid pollution certificates were seized by the Thekkumbhagam police, and one such vehicle was seized by the Paripally police. The Karunagapally police also imposed fines on two private school vehicles that were operating without paying taxes. Under the supervision of the District Police Chief (Kollam City), the inspections were overseen by theACPs of Kollam, Karunagapally, and Chathannur. Approximately 150 law enforcers, including 15 inspectors and 40 SIs, participated in the inspection. The District Police Chief (Kollam City) said that actions have been initiated to suspend the licenses of the drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol, and the surprise checks will continue.