Applying brakes to the practice of private transport companies steering clear from law, the Punjab Government on Friday issued strict instructions to the private buses to carry original documents, failing which their vehicles be impounded.
The large number of private bus operators, operating in the State, came into notice following the infamous Moga molestation case, during which it was revealed that many of them don’t possess licences and required documents.
State Transport Commissioner Ashwani Kumar Sharma on Friday issued instructions to bus owners or drivers to ensure carrying original documents while plying in State so that they do not face embarrassment during traffic checking.
The instructions came after it was noticed by the department that the owners of stage carriage buses or mini buses and their drivers don’t keep original documents, like permit, RC, insurance, driving licence, conductor licence, time table and tax receipt and they are often without uniform.
“At the time of checking by enforcement staff, the drivers give the plea that the original documents are lying in the office of company where as in accordance with the rules, these documents
must compulsorily be carried while driving,” he said.
The Transport Commissioner has now instructed the bus owners or drivers to carry original documents. “In case of absence of documents during checking, the vehicle would be impounded under Motor Vehicle Act, 1988,” he clarified.
The Commissioner has also instructed the district transport officer (DTOs) to conduct checks on buses at regular intervals and send weekly report to the head office.