Kolkata, West Bengal: In the wake of a tragic car accident in Howrah district that claimed the lives of three children, the West Bengal government on Monday directed all school pool-car operators to strictly adhere to safety guidelines. The directive comes two weeks after the November 24 accident in Uluberia, where a private vehicle ferrying schoolchildren plunged into a pond, resulting in the deaths of three children aged between six and 11.

A senior official from the transport department stated that the meeting, attended by police representatives and school education department officials, emphasized strict enforcement of safety norms that were introduced over two years ago. “Monitoring will be intensified in coordination with police and district authorities to ensure no vehicle flouting safety rules escapes surveillance. A clampdown has already begun at both city and district levels,” the official said.

Key Guidelines for Pool Car Operators:

• Private vehicles are barred from operating as pool cars. Vehicle owners must convert registrations from private to commercial and ensure all safety norms are implemented. They have been given a three-month deadline to comply.
• Pool cars and school buses must be equipped with GPS tracking systems, panic buttons, and speed governors. Every seat must have a seatbelt, and vehicles must have adequate interior lighting, proper doors and windows with secure locks, and designated space for school bags.
• Vehicles must carry a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
• Schools must appoint a ‘transport manager’ to coordinate with authorities and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Parental and School Responsibilities:
Parents are encouraged to actively verify the legitimacy of pool cars through mobile apps, check driver credentials, and ensure vehicles meet safety standards before arranging transport for their children. Schools are also expected to discuss pool-car safety issues during parent-teacher meetings.

While pool-car operators requested a maximum speed limit of 60 km/h, the department maintained that the limit must remain at 40 km/h, considering population density, road conditions, and motor vehicle rules.

The official highlighted that nearly one lakh pool cars operate in West Bengal, stressing the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to prevent further accidents. In addition to ongoing monitoring by Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), an annual inspection of all roadworthy pool cars will be conducted to ensure compliance with safety standards.

This move reflects the government’s commitment to child safety in school transport and seeks to prevent tragedies similar to the Uluberia incident.