KOCHI: Action has been taken against contract buses operating without number plates in the city. The action was taken after the temporary registration number was not clearly recorded. Seven buses belonging to a contractor who transports and brings employees to the Kochi refinery were operating in violation of the law.

Seeing this, the locals informed the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The RTO enforcement team reached the gate of the refinery and stopped the service of these buses. There are complaints that these vehicles have entered the refinery, which is a high-security zone, and have brought and taken employees.

The Enforcement RTO clarified that there is doubt on whether the buses have permits and that the contractors have been directed to produce all the documents of the vehicles by 10 am today. Further action will be taken after examining the documents. It is an offence under the Motor Vehicles Act to operate service without a number plate.