New academic year: traffic regulations come into effect in Thiruvananthapuram city

With the commencement of the new academic year on Monday, the Thiruvananthapuram City Traffic Police have introduced a series of traffic regulations to ensure the safe and smooth transportation of school and college students across the city.

As part of the new arrangements, vehicles transporting students to educational institutions must pick up and drop off children only at designated safe locations, without causing traffic congestion or risking accidents. Parking near schools, including adjacent roads and surrounding areas, will be strictly prohibited. Any vehicles found violating such norms will be towed away. Legal action will also be initiated in such cases, the police have cautioned.

The police have also issued instructions to ensure that vehicles should not carry more children than permitted and must comply with the Motor Vehicles Act, including possessing valid fitness certificates, permits and all mandated safety features.

Moreover, school vehicles, including school buses, will be required to pick up and drop off students within the school premises only. Parking or waiting on roads near schools or main roads in the city will not be permitted. Vehicles are permitted to arrive near school zones only 30 minutes prior to the end of school hours. Drivers must reduce speed in school zones and stop for children crossing the road.

Heavy goods vehicles are not allowed in school zones during school hours and peak times. All goods vehicles within city limits must adhere to the designated time schedules. Violators of such rules will be subjected to stringent penalties.

To maintain order and student safety, all vehicles carrying students should operate in a queue system. Besides, each vehicle must have an attendant along with the driver. The driver and attendant must be highly alert and responsible, especially while children are boarding or alighting the vehicle, or crossing the road. The police have underscored that it is the responsibility of school authorities to ensure all necessary precautions are in place.

Traffic will be rerouted temporarily in roads facing congestion near school zones to manage flow during peak hours.

Published - June 01, 2025 08:37 pm IST