Udupi, July 8: Acting on directions from District In-charge Minister U T Khader, Udupi Police launched a district-wide special drive against school transport violations on Tuesday, booking 203 cases and collecting Rs 71,000 in fines.

The enforcement drive was carried out across all police station limits following public complaints and instructions issued by the minister during a district-level review meeting. Khader had directed officials to closely monitor vehicles ferrying schoolchildren and strictly enforce safety regulations.

Police inspected school buses, vans, autorickshaws and other vehicles transporting students, checking vehicle documents, fitness certificates, insurance, driving licences and compliance with mandatory school transport safety norms.

Officials also verified the availability of fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, emergency exits and checked for overcrowding.

Action was taken against vehicles found violating provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and school transport safety guidelines. Drivers, operators and school managements were instructed to prioritise student safety and ensure strict adherence to prescribed norms.

According to Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, 112 cases were registered for carrying excess children, 58 for drivers not wearing the prescribed uniform and 33 for other traffic and safety violations. A total of Rs 71,000 in fines was collected during the special drive.