A total of 1,096 school vehicles belonging to 100 schools in Erode East, Erode West and Perundurai regions underwent annual joint inspections at the AET School campus on Friday (May 15). Vehicle operators were instructed to rectify deficiencies and present the vehicles for reinspection within a week.

District Collector S. Kandasamy inspected the vehicles during the exercise organised by the Regional Transport Department. Officials said the inspections were being carried out as per the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Special Rules for private school vehicles operating in the Erode East, Erode West, Perundurai, Bhavani, Gobichettipalayam and Sathyamangalam regions.

The Collector reviewed platforms, seating, speed governors, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, footboards, first-aid kits and CCTV cameras fitted in the front and rear of the vehicles. Vehicle documents were also verified before approvals were issued.

Officials also inspected provisions such as separate space for school bags, display of school emblems, contact numbers of the police, Regional Transport Office and school management, footboard height, log books, window grills, driver cabins and left-side exit doors.

Officials said 463 vehicles of 60 schools from Gobichettipalayam region would be inspected on May 19, and 358 vehicles of 35 schools from Bhavani region on May 20.

The Collector also inspected model school vehicles fitted with fire extinguishers and other fire prevention equipment conforming to AIS 135 standards for vehicles registered from October 1, 2023 onwards.

Erode Revenue Divisional Officer N. Sindhuja, Chief Education Officer E. Manvizhi and Regional Transport Officers were present.