In a Police inspection it has been revealed that nearly 50 percent of vehicles transporting schoolchildren in Chilaw, Madampe and Arachchikattuwa are not roadworthy.

Steps had been taken yesterday to issue prohibitory orders to 24 buses and vans out of 54 vehicles transporting schoolchildren in the above Police areas.

These vehicles had problems including malfunctioning brakes, worn tires, faulty electrical systems, faulty seats, steering errors, spare parts and lighting issues.

Madampe Police Traffic Division OIC Nishantha Reginald said that they have given the vehicle owners 10 days to correct the existing defects in these vehicles. It is reported that only one of these vehicles was in good condition.