Transport department stops fitness clearance for Vikram operators without blocked front seats

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

The Transport department has stopped issuing fitness clearance certificates to Vikram operators who have not blocked the front seat next to the driver, following an Uttarakhand High Court order. However, the department has not yet begun imposing penalties on operators who continue to violate the rule.

The High Court directed operators to block the front seat to prevent passengers from sitting beside the driver, citing safety concerns and the risk of accidents. The department had also set September 9 as the deadline for operators to comply. Despite this, many Vikram operators continue to carry passengers in the front seat and the department is yet to start imposing penalties.

Vikram drivers are also often seen carrying more passengers than permitted under Motor Vehicles rules. Overcrowding in the vehicles, especially seating beside the driver, reduces the driver’s space and may increase the risk of accidents.

The regional transport officer (Enforcement) of Dehradun division, Anita Chamola said that so far, the department has been instructing operators to comply with the order and has been conducting awareness drives. She added that fitness certificates are no longer being issued to those who have not blocked the front seat and that penalties will soon be imposed on violators.