China's ministries of Public Security and Education are urging districts across the country to enforce school bus safety rules strictly.

A jointly issued circular said the registration system of school buses and drivers must be strictly implemented across the country.

For example, schools must register vehicles they own or rent for student transport with local education and public traffic management departments. Every vehicle must be legally licensed.

Renting private vehicles or using vehicles that fail to meet safety requirements is forbidden.

The statement said all vehicles must undergo technical safety checks before every new term begins. Schools failing to go through the procedure will face punishment. Substandard vehicles or drivers will be disqualified.

(Xinhua News Agency September 29, 2008)