Kochi: The tourist bus service that had an accident in Vadakancheri was being run in violation of the rules and regulations issued by the transport department regarding school and college outings. It was also criticized that the school authorities called the bus for the trip with the students without following the high level order.
RTO sources revealed to Manorama Online that five cases have already been filed against this bus, which was blacklisted by the Transport Department. It is clear in some videos taken before the outing that the orders were not obeyed despite the measures and the use of a deafening horn and flashing lights. RTO officials also said that the speed governor was disconnected while the bus was running. The bus belongs to a native of Kottayam.
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It is also clear that the orders of the Transport Commissioner and the College Education Department not to use vehicles with unauthorized modifications and flashing lights and horns on school and college students’ leisure and study trips were not followed. On July 7 this year, the Transport Commissioner issued instructions to the various Directors of Education in this regard.
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It was said in the procedure that these types of vehicles are involved in accidents and the RTOs are taking steps including impounding them. It was also suggested that the vehicles that go on excursions with the students should be shown at the Regional Transport Offices to ensure fitness.
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Four months after the High Court ordered that tourist buses should not be turned into dance floors and should not have unnecessary lights and sound systems, the tourist bus called Luminos, which met with an accident, is proof that buses are still operating contrary to order. Many of their buses are currently running on the route.
Even if action is taken against high impact buses, the owners are often fined. Even if the lights and horns are removed for the time being and presented to the officers, it is common practice to restore them and break the law when they go on the road. While the speed governor works during testing, it is common for drivers to remove it during servicing.
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The depth of the law violation by the bus is clear from the footage captured while the students were leaving for the excursion. The bus run begins with honoring the forbidden horn with flashing lights and loud music to cheer the students. The footage captured by the parents has now come out.
The High Court’s observation was that the operation of tourist buses with impressive lighting arrangements would cause accidents to other vehicles on the road. It was also suggested to take action against those who use constantly flashing lights. Justice Anil K has suggested that drivers who break the law should be banned for three months, measures should be taken including imprisonment if the offense is repeated, WhatsApp numbers should be published to complain about vehicles that breach of safety standards in terms of noise and lighting control. Narendran, Justice PG Ajith Kumar and the division bench ordered.
English Summary: Students carrying a Tourist Bus that met with an accident in Vadakkencherry did not follow Transport regulations
