PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
In view of the increasing number of food vans and mobile canteens operating across Dehradun, the Transport department has issued a set of instructions for vehicle owners involved in the business. The regional transport officer (Administration) Sandeep Saini issued the guidelines on Friday to ensure compliance with safety, health and legal standards.
As per the instructions, no food van will be permitted to operate without valid vehicle registration and driving documents. Vehicles older than the manufacturing year limits set under the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 1988 and Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) 1989 will not be allowed. Goods vehicles registered for other purposes cannot be converted or used as food vans for commercial use.
Operators are required to submit a layout plan of their kitchen area in the form of Form-22A (part-2) certified by an authorised technician. This document must be presented to the transport officer before beginning operations. Additionally, a report from an authorised vehicle fitness centre must also be submitted. As per the guidelines, serving food from a stationary food van is allowed only in permitted zones. If food is served in restricted or unauthorised locations, action will be taken under relevant laws.
All food vans must have valid FSSAI registration for food safety compliance. Further, vendors must have written approval from the local municipal body or Nagar Panchayat for parking and selling food in public areas. Food van operators must also inform the local police station in writing before starting operations. Vehicles found without the required permits or operating outside the legal framework will be reported for legal action.
Vans must not be operated by individuals with criminal records. Vehicles seized under these circumstances will be released only after clearance from the police department. Saini stated that if any operator fails to comply with these rules, action will be taken against them under the MV Act and other applicable laws.
