Central Zone traffic cracks down on drunk school van drivers, overcrowding

Hyderabad: Central Zone traffic police have launched targeted checks against auto and school bus drivers carrying school children beyond permitted limits and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Teams carried out inspections under the supervision of the Central Zone ACP at several locations on Tuesday, including Seven Temples in Khairatabad (Saifabad traffic limits), Sujatha School Line in Abids, Ashok Nagar X Road under Chikkadpally police station, and Indira Park X Road in Gandhinagar limits.

During the checks, Abids traffic police stopped a school van with registration TS09 UE 1355, driven by one Raju transporting students to Little Flower School. A breath analyser test revealed his blood alcohol concentration at 181 mg/dl. Police booked a case, seized the vehicle temporarily, and sent him for counselling before producing him in court.

Other violations booked during the special drive included:

Excess schoolchildren: 2 cases

Unauthorised persons travelling with the driver: 6 cases

Drivers without uniform: 9 cases

Wrong-side driving: 137 cases

Officers reported that many auto drivers were carrying more children than legally allowed, posing a serious safety risk. Action included fines and temporary vehicle seizure in such instances.

Dedicated teams have been deployed during morning and evening hours to check for drunk drivers among school van and auto operators. Police warned of strict legal measures against violators.

Authorities advised drivers not to overload vehicles with children, to keep their vehicles in good condition, and to ensure children are properly seated. They also urged drivers never to consume alcohol while operating a vehicle and to fully cooperate with traffic rules and inspections.

Parents were asked to verify their children’s travel arrangements for safety.

Police stated that such checks would continue in coming days, with strict penalties for violations.

– S. Mohan Kumar, ACP, Central Zone Traffic