PESHAWAR:
The Peshawar Division administration has made fitness certification mandatory for all Suzuki vans and buses used to transport schoolchildren, warning of strict legal action against violators, including vehicle seizure and imprisonment of owners.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Commissioner Peshawar Division, Riaz Khan Mehsud, to ensure the safe transportation of private school students. The meeting was attended by officials from the district administration, traffic police, Regional Transport Authority, Private Schools Regulatory Authority (PSRA), Excise Department, and representatives of the Private Schools Association.
It was decided that if children are found seated in the cargo area or on the roof of Suzuki vehicles, both the concerned school and the driver will be held responsible. Such vehicles will be confiscated, and the owners may be sent to jail. Authorities also ruled that all Suzuki vehicles used for school transport must be properly enclosed, with a fixed rear door that must remain closed while children are seated inside.
Transporters allowing children to ride on rooftops will face immediate action, including arrest of drivers and impounding of vehicles. The Motor Vehicle Examination Department was directed to inspect all school transport vehicles and issue fitness certificates. No vehicle will be allowed to carry students without a valid certificate.
In compliance with Peshawar High Court directives, the use of CNG in school transport vehicles has been completely banned, making petrol mandatory.
News Published in Express Tribune on January 9, 2025.
