Mangaluru: The transport department taken up strict rules for safe transport of school children, operators – both school vans as well as auto rickshaw drivers – are often seen flouting them and carrying children beyond the permitted limit.

The city traffic police conducted awareness drive among school van and auto rickshaw drivers and even warned of taking strict action against violators. So far the police have registered 48 cases against school vans and auto rickshaws carrying excess schoolchildren.

Apart from this police have even acted against goods vehicles transporting passengers and around 175 such cases have been registered in last two weeks.

In a tweet, Mangaluru city police commissioner Sandeep Patil said, “Carrying excess school children/other passengers puts all of them to huge risk..Traffic awareness progs held among auto drivers, other passenger vehicles…to stop carrying excess school children/labourers/passengers..Strict penal action to follow for violations..”