Lucknow: As part of a statewide crackdown on unsafe school transport, authorities in Uttar Pradesh found over 4,000 school vehicles violating safety norms during a special inspection drive conducted from July 1 to 15, an official statement said on Wednesday.

Of the 67,613 registered school buses and vans in the state, 46,748 (around 69 per cent) were inspected. Among them, 4,089 vehicles (over 8.7 per cent) were found to be non-compliant with safety norms, the statement said.

“During the drive, enforcement teams issued 4,438 challans, seized 913 vehicles, and collected penalties amounting to ₹88.52 lakh,” it stated.

A total of 1,768 vehicles were found operating with expired fitness certificates.

Following the campaign, Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narayan Singh instructed all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) to carry out monthly reviews of school transport operations.

According to district-level data, strong enforcement was noted in Prayagraj, Farrukhabad, Lucknow, and Kanpur Nagar, while Mau, Maharajganj, Deoria, Hapur, and Siddharthnagar districts lagged behind in inspections and enforcement.

Singh has issued directives to all District Magistrates, Divisional Commissioners (as chairpersons of Regional Transport Authorities), RTOs/ARTOs, and school principals to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols.

“All private vehicles operating without valid permits should be seized immediately, and those with expired fitness certificates should not be allowed on roads,” the statement said.

Schools found violating transport regulations will face strict action in coordination with the district education departments and district magistrates.

District magistrates have been asked to activate school vehicle safety committees, hold regular meetings, and closely monitor compliance.

School principals and managers have been reminded that they are responsible for ensuring the safety of their vehicles, including buses, vans, and autos. They must form transport safety committees to oversee adherence to norms, the statement added.

“Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found flouting the rules,” Singh warned.