Hyderabad: Traffic Police launch drive against overcrowded school vehicles; 95 operators booked

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Traffic Police have launched a special drive against overcrowded vehicles ferrying schoolchildren.

This initiative aims to ensure the safety and security of children as they return to school. On Thursday, officials filed cases against 95 vehicles for violating traffic norms.

Focus Areas

Special teams have been formed to conduct targeted drives during peak hours, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The primary focus areas include:

- Autorickshaws operating without fitness certificates or driving licenses.

- Instances of drunken driving.

- Overloading, defined as carrying more than six children aged 12 and below in three-passenger autorickshaws or more than eight children in four-passenger autos.

- Cases of minor driving.

Locations and Violations

The checking was conducted across various areas in Hyderabad. Authorities focused on school zones and high-traffic areas to monitor and penalize violators. During the drive, several instances of overloading, lack of valid documents, and other traffic violations were observed.

Statements from Officials

Venkat Reddy, Malkajgiri Zone, Traffic Police officer stated, "We urge parents and school management to not send their children in a vehicle carrying more than the seating capacity. Transporting children in an overloaded vehicle is a clear violation of traffic rules."

Community Engagement

The special teams will also hold meetings with school management and counsel parents who carry more children on their two-wheelers. The goal is to educate parents on the do’s and don’ts for ensuring the safety of schoolchildren.

"We request the school management and parents to check the validity of documents like driver’s licenses, registration certificates, insurance certificates, and fitness certificates of vehicles before engaging such vehicles for sending children to school," added Reddy.

Reactions from the Community

Parents and auto drivers have expressed mixed reactions to the drive.

"It is a good initiative. The safety of our children is paramount, and these checks ensure that the vehicles are fit for transportation," said a parent of a student at St. Ann’s School. Marredpally.

Mallesh Kumar an auto driver, however, commented, "While safety is important, these checks disrupt our daily schedules. We hope the authorities also consider our challenges and provide support."

“The Hyderabad Traffic Police's special drive against overcrowded vehicles is a proactive step towards ensuring the safety of schoolchildren. By focusing on critical violations and engaging with the community, the authorities will foster a safer environment for young commuters” said Deepti Saxena, another concerned parent.