PRAYAGRAJ, July 25 -- More than 250 vehicles used to transport school children in Prayagraj have been fined this month for breaking safety rules. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has collected nearly Rs.4.50 lakh in penalties so far. The vehicles, which include school buses, mini-vans, and cars, were operating without valid school bus permits and did not meet the safety standards required by law. The action is part of a month-long crackdown by the transport department across both urban and rural areas of the district. Rajesh Chaturvedi, additional regional transport officer (Administration), said that out of about 2000 vehicles checked since the beginning of July, over 250 were found unfit. Around 70 of these had expired fitness certificates that had not been renewed by the owners. About 50 vehicles were also seized during the checks. Currently, the district has 2,358 vehicles officially registered as school buses. These meet all the necessary safety conditions, including the requirement for a special school bus permit. The drive was launched after several school bus accidents were reported in the region. Officials say the goal is to ensure that all vehicles carrying children follow the law and meet safety standards. The checks will continue until the end of the month, and strict action will be taken against those who fail to comply....