The mandatory annual inspection of vehicles of the schools and the colleges, which are being used to transport students everyday to their educational institutions, commenced here on Wednesday.

The inspection is being jointly done at Armed Reserve Police Grounds in Palayamkottai by the officials of transport, fire and rescue services and the police departments. The emergency exit, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, seats, CCTV cameras, strength of the steps and the wooden floor of the vehicles etc. are being checked during this inspection.

District Collector R. Sukumar, after monitoring the inspection, said 737 vehicles of educational institutions, including 263 vehicles from Tirunelveli area, 318 from Valliyoor area and 156 from Ambasamudram area would be screened during this safety audit.

“Defective vehicles are being sent back and the schools concerned are asked to rectify the technical issues identified during the inspection. These vehicles, after attending the problems, should be produced for inspection again at Office of Regional Transport Officer concerned. The drivers should strictly avoid alcohol and mobile phone and check everyday the CCTV cameras and the fire extinguishers fitted in their vehicles,” Mr. Sukumar said.

The Collector also warned that cases would be registered against the autorickshaw drivers who take more number of children in violation of the permit.

A team of technicians screened the drivers for eye defects. The fire and rescue services personnel explained to them about operating the fire extinguishers in case of emergency.

In Tenkasi district, 251 vehicles – 206 from Tenkasi area and 45 from Alangulam area – were checked on Wednesday. After discrepancies were found in 11 vehicles including 8 from Tenkasi and 3 from Alangulam areas, the school administrations were asked to address these issues immediately to get the fitness certificate.

District Collector A.K. Kamal Kishore, who visited the vehicle screening camp, appealed to the drivers to strictly avoid alcohol and mobile phones while driving.

“The parents and the schools have reposed faith in you... Hence, the drivers should take care of the children and their safety. Hence, you should strictly follow the road safety rules which will ensure the safety of everyone travelling in your vans and the buses,” the Collector said.