The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a major step to improve student transport safety. The decision directly affects all private schools across the province. From now on, every school bus must carry a valid fitness certificate. This requirement aims to reduce accidents. It also seeks to improve traffic discipline. Moreover, officials believe the move will protect thousands of children who travel daily.
Previously, many school vehicles operated without proper checks. As a result, safety concerns continued to rise. Therefore, the government decided to take firm action. The Transport Department has now made compliance compulsory. Schools must act quickly. Otherwise, they may face strict penalties.
Transport Department Issues Mandatory Notification
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transport Department issued a formal notification regarding the new rule. According to officials, the notification applies to all private school transport vehicles. This includes buses, vans, and coasters. Each vehicle must pass a fitness inspection. After that, authorities will issue a valid certificate.
Moreover, the department stressed the importance of vehicle roadworthiness. Fitness checks cover brakes, tires, lights, engines, and emissions. Therefore, certified vehicles will meet safety standards. Officials stated that regular inspections reduce mechanical failures. Consequently, accident risks also decrease.
In addition, the department warned schools against ignoring the directive. Authorities will suspend registration of non-compliant vehicles. Inspectors will remove such vehicles from roads. As a result, schools could face operational difficulties. Hence, officials urged administrations to complete certification immediately.
Strict Enforcement to Ensure Compliance
The government plans strict enforcement of the new requirement. Transport officials will conduct routine inspections. Furthermore, surprise checks will also take place. Inspectors will verify fitness certificates during these checks. If schools violate the rules, authorities will take action.
Officials clarified that enforcement will follow existing transport laws. These laws already define penalties for unsafe vehicles. Therefore, violators may face fines, registration suspension, or legal action. Repeat offenders could face harsher consequences. As a result, authorities expect better compliance.
Meanwhile, officials emphasized that schools hold direct responsibility. Administrations must maintain their vehicles properly. They must also renew fitness certificates on time. This responsibility cannot be shifted to drivers alone. Hence, schools must prioritize student safety.
Improving Road Safety and Traffic Discipline
The government believes the decision will bring long-term benefits. First, student safety will significantly improve. Second, parents will feel more confident about school transport. Third, roads will become safer for all users.
Moreover, unfit vehicles often cause traffic congestion. They break down frequently. They also ignore basic road rules. Therefore, removing such vehicles will improve traffic flow. Better discipline will follow across cities and towns.
Officials added that this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to child welfare. The administration wants safer learning environments. Safe transport forms a key part of that goal. Additionally, the policy aligns with modern traffic management practices.
Finally, authorities urged full cooperation from private schools. They emphasized that safety should come before cost concerns. Regular maintenance saves lives. Fitness certification ensures accountability. The government hopes this move will set a strong example for other provinces.
KP mandates fitness certificates for private school buses, improving student safety, traffic discipline, enforcement, and responsible transport across province.
