198 school buses fined in Panchkula for violating High Court safety norms

The police have issued challans to 198 school buses over the past seven months for failing to comply with safety norms prescribed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

According to DCP (Crime and Traffic) Manpreet Singh Sudan, over the past seven months, the police conducted intensive checks on school vehicles operating in the city.

During the inspections, several vehicles were found not complying with the safety standards laid down by the court. As a result, challans (fines) were issued to 198 school buses. He added that while the number of challans slightly decreased during the summer holidays when schools were closed, the traffic police remained alert throughout the rest of the period, conducting regular inspections and taking strict action against violators.

DCP Shrishti Gupta reiterated that child safety remains a top priority, adding, “Our aim is to prevent any mishap. The police are fully alert and proactive to ensure no child faces danger during their commute.”

The police have also appealed to parents and school authorities to allow only recognised and safety-compliant vehicle operators to transport children to and from school. Any negligence in safety, they warned, is a compromise with children’s lives and will be met with strict action.