Autorickshaws, an affordable mode of transport, continue to violate all rules regarding transport of school students.
Though they are allowed to carry a maximum of five children, most of the vehicles carry even more than eight. Students can be seen sitting along with the driver.
Registering of cases against drivers, or penalising them are not deterring them from continuing with the practice.
Recently, five children were injured when the autorickshaws in which they were travelling fell on their sides.
It is not just carrying students more than the permitted limit, these vehicles run at breakneck speed terrorising other road users, said M. Purusotham, an elderly citizen in Hasthampatti.
He wanted the Transport Department and the police to regularly monitor autorickshaws so that the lives of children are protected.
Parents continue to avail themselves of the services of autorickshaws, as cost-sharing basis gives them an edge.
“We are aware of the risks. But have no options,” said T. Sudha, a resident of Chinna Tirupathi.
Officials, admit that violations continue despite conducting awareness campaigns, and registering of cases.
They say parents should avoid autorickshaws if they are carrying more than the permitted number of students.
Parents know that their children are sitting along with the driver. But they speak against the practice, they added.
Daily monitoring of these vehicles is not possible, they said.
