Two children were injured after falling off a speeding school van when its rear door opened in Ambernath town in Thane district on Monday, police said
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The school bus owners' association on Monday blamed the Regional Transport Office (RTOs) for the recent accident involving a school van in Ambernath.
"It highlights concerns about the safety of students being transported in illegal vehicles. Here are some key points to consider. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) is responsible for ensuring that vehicles used for student transportation meet safety standards and regulations. Allowing illegal vans to operate could be a failure on their part. Vehicles with less than 12 seats are not permitted to transport children, as per Supreme Court orders. Despite this, some schools and parents seem to be using these vans to save money," Anil Garg, president of the School Bus Owners' Association said.
"There have been previous accidents involving school vans in the area, and authorities have been informed about the issue multiple times. Yet, action seems to be lacking. The school authorities may also be held accountable for allowing students to use illegal vans for transportation. RTO and traffic authorities should strictly enforce regulations and penalize those who don't comply. Parents need to prioritise their children's safety over cost savings and opt for authorised school buses or transportation services.
Regular inspections of vehicles used for student transportation can help prevent accidents," he added.
"The continued use of illegal vans puts students' lives at risk. Authorities and schools may be held liable for accidents involving unauthorized vehicles. It's crucial for authorities, schools, and parents to work together to ensure student safety," he explained.
RTO officials said they would initiate action against vans working as school buses and ensure compliance.
Two children were injured after falling off a speeding school van when its rear door opened in Ambernath town in Thane district on Monday, police said.
The Regional Transport Office (RTO) at Kalyan stated that action will be taken against the school van under the School Bus Rules, 2011, and relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act after document verification.
According to the police, the van driver didn't stop after the children fell on the road and continued driving.
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