Lucknow, July 24 -- In a push to ensure the safety of school-going children, the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has seized 913 school vehicles and collected Rs.88.52 lakh in penalties following a massive statewide enforcement drive, a government spokesman said here on Wednesday.

"Conducted between July 1 and July 15, the operation inspected 46,748 of the 67,613 registered school vehicles-roughly 69%-across the state," he added.

The inspection revealed that 4,089 vehicles (8.75%) violated safety norms, with 1,768 found operating despite expired fitness certificates. In all, 4,438 challans were issued as part of the crackdown.

Transport commissioner Brajesh Narain Singh has issued strict directives to all districts and school managem...