No ban on autos carrying school students: MVD

Thiruvananthapuram: Motor vehicles department (MVD) dismissed as baseless reports circulating in sections of the media claiming that it advised parents not to send children to school in autorickshaws.

In an official clarification, the department stated that no such directive was issued and the reports were factually incorrect. Authorities emphasized that autorickshaws are permitted to transport schoolchildren, provided they comply with existing laws, safety regulations and passenger limit.

MVD clarified that there were no changes to current rules governing school transportation. It urged the public to rely only on official communications and refrain from spreading misinformation.

The clarification follows media reports suggesting that MVD had instructed parents to use only school buses for transporting children and to avoid sending them in autorickshaws. While rejecting these claims, the department reiterated that autorickshaws must not carry children beyond the legally permitted capacity, warning that overcrowding could lead to accidents and pose serious safety risks.

28 automated vehicle testing stations to be launched

Meanwhile, transport minister C P John announced that 28 automated vehicle testing stations (AVTS) would soon be established across Kerala to modernize vehicle fitness inspections.

Addressing the passing-out parade of 17th batch of assistant motor vehicle inspector trainees at Police Training College in Thycaud, he said each district would have two automated vehicle testing stations equipped with machine-controlled systems and supported through outsourced operations.

He said the initiative marked a significant shift towards a more transparent, efficient and scientific vehicle fitness assessment system in the state.