District Collector V. Saravanan on Friday inspected a special vehicle fitness inspection camp for private school vehicles on the premises of Sri Vignesh Vidyalaya at Koothur in Manachanallur taluk.

A total of 805 vehicles belonging to 132 educational institutions under the jurisdiction of the Regional Transport Offices in Tiruchi West, Tiruchi East, and Srirangam — including Manapparai, Tiruverumbur, Musiri, and Lalgudi unit offices — were examined by Regional Transport Officers and Motor Vehicle Inspectors.

Officials verified compliance with 22 mandatory safety features, including first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, CCTV cameras, speed governors, emergency exits, and sensor devices. Installation of Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) was checked as per Transport Department norms.

Mr. Saravanan said the annual inspection was mandated to ensure student safety. He stressed that drivers should possess valid licences, be medically fit, and adhere to safety protocols. School buses must have protective grills separating drivers and students, and staff should be in uniform while on duty, he said.

He instructed that contact numbers of the school, Regional Transport Office, police, and Childline 1098 be displayed prominently. Emergency equipment and CCTV systems must be maintained in working condition, he added.

Of the vehicles inspected, 713 were declared fit while 92 were found unfit under Rule 119 of the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Vehicles failing to meet norms must be rectified and presented for reinspection before May 31. Only certified vehicles will be permitted to operate from June 1.