Mangalore : Dinesh Kumpala, President of the Tourist Car and Van Drivers Owners Association, has said that the tourist cab drivers and owners who ferry children to schools have been greatly affected by the directive of the transport authority to  paint all such vehicles in yellow on par with school vehicles.

Speaking to press persons here on June 4, Tuesday, Dinesh said this rule would make it difficult for the tourist cars and vans which ferry children to schools, as there is a possibility of people hesitating to hire such vehicles for other purpose.

Moreover such a rule would also facilitate official school vehicles to do business by allowing people to hire the vehicles during non-school days, Dinesh Kumpala said and added such rule may also facilitate drivers of other vehicles with white number plates to do  more business.

Though the government rules are welcome, the problems which they may pose to tourist car and van owners and drivers should be rectified, he said.

He further said the tourist car and van drivers  are unwilling to paint their vehicles in yellow but are willing to put up a board stating school cab.

Dinesh also stated that there have been very few instances of private vehicles ferrying students meeting with accidents as their drivers are experienced, while in many cases school vehicles have inexperienced drivers.He once again urged the authorities to exempt private tourist car and van drivers from painting their vehicle in yellow.

Devesh Saralaya, Honorary President, M Dinesh Kumpala, President,Prashanth Alva, General Secretary, George D’Silva, Vice President and Jagadish Ullalbail, Committee member, were also present at the press meet.