Rust Buckets That Pass For School Vans
By Imaad Majeed
Pictures by Pavithra Jovan De Mello
While the number of accidents have been increasing of late, little attention has been paid to the state of vehicles on the road. Aside from emission tests, there is no system for assessing the condition of vehicles, particularly school vans.
Children are put at risk day in and day out, when they travel in rickety rust buckets that pass off for transportation.
What is frightening is the lack of concern on the part of school van drivers and parents of school going children. From minor issues such as missing signal lights to rust covered doors and worn out tires, the hazards are many.
Yet there is no body established to govern the condition of school vans, neither the department of motor vehicles nor the ministry of education have shown any regard for this matter.
Recently the minimum age for school van drivers was raised to thirty. This may well be a good enough step initially, but the problem does not end there. After all, the condition of the vehicles also plays a major part and not just the age of the driver. The Sunday Leader visited leading schools in Colombo to capture pictures of the vehicles used for transporting children. All were in appalling condition.
Abount this pint has to be concern there are four sides. The parents has consider post prtective system. When is it on the way the police has to be get it done the most right defence reuls and regulation which are none changable for top to bottom. Teachers responsible also get involve to care the pupils. The vehicle woners has to get well maintaing thir wehiclas almost and has to be care their clients. That we call the unity of responsible. Remember we are all concering about our future assert.
Is there a body establish to govern the conditions of police vehicles? And the way those vehicles are driven?
who care when the police people die? we have to protect our children idiot.
It shouldn’t be the age of the Driver, The Driver should have at least 5 years driving experiance, Other wise A man who take his Licence is eligibal to drive at 30 years as soon as he obtain his Licence. Check vans mainly the inside Seat condition, capacity, Road wothyness. You look at any Van taking Kids, Do they have Proper tyres, This Police can all the time check . If a Van runs with worn Tyres that means the aria Police is rich.
well said dear.I know somany school buses good for catch the prawns in lagoon.But its running with bribe to ppolice.These bus owners in side the police statioin behave like the OIC.Making evening party as police need.Very sad story of law and order.
I’m totally agree with hansan ,adding to that all school vans need a specific speed limit and van owners number must display for any complain if required to make.