LUCKNOW, July 9 -- Halfway through a 15-day comprehensive state-wide drive, the regional transport officer (RTO), Lucknow, has challaned 323 school vehicles so far for operating without valid fitness certificates or failing to meet safety standards. Prabhat Pandey, RTO (enforcement division), Lucknow, said that of the total 1,742 registered school vehicles in the district, 782 have been checked till Tuesday. "As many as 195 vehicles were found non-compliant with safety standards, while the fitness certificates of 128 vehicles had expired. As a result, 323 school vehicles have been challaned so far and 89 have been seized. We will send notices to schools whose vehicles have been challaned. A compounding fee of Rs 2.56 lakh has been collected so far. If these vehicles continue to operate, we will initiate further action, including suspension and cancellation of their registration," Pandey warned. Of the 65 vehicles checked on Tuesday, 18 were found violating safety standards, while eight were operating with expired fitness certificates. In total, 26 vehicles were challaned and six were seized. A compounding fee of Rs 14,000 was collected.HTC...