Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh Directs Zero Tolerance for Speed Limit Violations by Tippers and School Buses

Patiala News: Taking serious note of the tragic road accident in Samana that claimed the lives of school children, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today directed the Patiala district administration to adopt a strict zero tolerance policy towards speed limit violations by tippers and school buses.

Dr. Balbir Singh held an urgent meeting on road safety with Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav, SP Vaibhav Chaudhary, RTA Naman Markan, SDMs, DSP Traffic, and representatives from related departments. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the deceased children, and tributes were paid to them.

Emphasizing the government’s commitment under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Dr. Balbir Singh said, “There can be no compromise on the safety standards of school vehicles.” He directed that all tippers must not exceed 60 km/h, and speed governors should be mandatorily installed. School buses must fully comply with the Safe School Vehicle Policy, he added.

The Health Minister instructed that tippers be barred from operating during morning school arrival hours and afternoon dispersal times. Strict action is to be taken against violators. He further warned that any officer or employee found complicit in negligence or in violation of these directives would face stringent consequences.

Dr. Balbir Singh also directed the traffic police, transport, and health departments to ensure all drivers of tippers, trucks, and school buses undergo fitness checks, dope tests, eye exams, and mandatory training in traffic rules.

Calling the Samana accident “unbearable,” he urged all officers to take a pledge to leave no stone unturned in making roads safer. “Every life lost on the road is an irreparable tragedy for the family,” he said.

Taking serious note of late-night activity near Rajindra Hospital, he directed the district police to ensure roadside eateries and dhabas in the area close on time.

The Minister also ordered the construction of speed tables across city roads and highways, and installation of speed limit signage. The RTA was directed to monitor school buses, tippers, and trucks closely, especially those carrying school children, and take strict action against violators. He further instructed that school dismissal timings be staggered to ease traffic congestion around school zones.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav assured that all concerned departments have been issued strict instructions to prevent such incidents in the future. She said the District Education Officer, District Child Protection Officer, and District Program Officer have been asked to hold meetings with school heads at the sub-division level to ensure full compliance with the Safe School Vehicle Policy.

Meetings will also be held with parents using private transport for their children, the DC added. “No negligence will be tolerated when it comes to the safety of schools and hospitals,” she emphasized.