Health Minister Dr. Balbir Directs Zero Tolerance Policy for Speed Limit Violations by Tippers and School Buses
- Strict enforcement ordered for ban on tippers on roads during school hours in the morning and afternoon
- No compromise on school vehicle safety standards: Dr. Balbir Singh
- Health Minister holds key road safety meeting with Patiala district administration
Patiala, May 8
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has instructed the district administration to adopt a zero-tolerance policy for speed limit violations by tippers and school buses. Taking serious note of the tragic road accident in Samana that claimed the lives of school children, the Health Minister convened an important meeting on road safety with Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav, SSP Vaibhav Chaudhary, RTA Naman Markan, all SDMs, DSP Traffic, and other relevant department officials. During the meeting, a two-minute silence was observed to mourn the loss of the young lives, and tributes were paid to the victims.
Dr. Balbir Singh clarified during the meeting that the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to ensuring no compromise on school vehicle safety standards. He emphasized that the speed of tippers on roads should not exceed 60 kilometers per hour, and every tipper must be equipped with a speed governor. Additionally, school buses must strictly adhere to the safety standards outlined in the Safe School Vahan Policy.
The Health Minister directed the district administration and police to ensure that tippers are prohibited from operating on roads during school opening hours in the morning and dismissal times in the afternoon. Strict action must be taken against violators. He warned that if any official or employee is found colluding in such violations, the government will take stringent measures against them. Dr. Singh also instructed the Traffic Police, Transport, and Health Departments to ensure fitness checks, dope tests, and vision tests for tipper, truck, and school bus drivers, along with mandatory training on traffic regulations.
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Dr. Balbir Singh described the recent accident as unbearable, urging all officials to pledge to leave no stone unturned in making roads safer. He highlighted that the loss of a life in a road accident is an irreparable tragedy for families. Taking serious note of dhabas near Rajindra Hospital and along roads remaining open late at night, he directed the district police to ensure their timely closure.
The Health Minister further instructed that speed breakers and speed limit signboards be installed across the city and on major roads. He directed the RTA to rigorously inspect school buses, other vehicles carrying school children, tippers, and trucks, and take strict action against drivers causing accidents. Additionally, he proposed staggering school dismissal times to regulate traffic around schools.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav stated that strict instructions have been issued to relevant department officials to prevent such accidents in the future. She directed the District Education Officer, District Child Protection Officer, and District Program Officer to hold meetings with school heads in every sub-division to ensure strict implementation of the Safe School Vahan Policy by school managements and parents. Meetings will also be held with parents using private transport for their children. Dr. Yadav emphasized that no negligence will be tolerated in matters concerning schools and hospitals.
