On September 1, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello signed new legislation to protect children by installing stop-arm cameras on school buses to capture images of vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses, and issuing a monetary fine to the violator via mail.
“The health and safety of all our neighbors, particularly our children, is my top priority – and this law will ensure our kids are safer as they walk to and from their school bus,” said County Executive Bello. “I encourage all school districts throughout Monroe County to take advantage of this free program for their students. Thank you to my colleagues in the Monroe County Legislature for prioritizing our children’s safety.”
The law allows for school districts to enter into an agreement with Monroe County, which will work with a third-party contractor to install and maintain the cameras at no added cost to school districts or taxpayers.
While it’s already illegal to pass a stopped school bus in New York State, without this program, motorists can only be issued a ticket if the violation was witnessed by a police officer. The state recently enacted a law allowing localities and school districts to install cameras on school bus arms to capture license plate photos of cars illegally passing stopped school buses. The photos will be verified by the Monroe County Department of Public Safety. Tickets are then sent to the vehicle owner. There are no moving violations or points issued and the fine will not affect a motorist’s insurance rate.
“An average of 19 school-age passengers are killed getting on and off the bus each year across the nation – our students’ safety is non-negotiable,” said Dr. Casey Kosiorek, Superinendent of the Hilton Central School District and President of the Monroe County Council of Superintendents. “The Monroe County Council of School Superintendents is grateful to County Executive Bello and the Monroe County Legislature for this new legislation that will deter motorists from passing a stopped school bus.”
Violations will increase with each offense that occurs within an 18-month time period as follows: $250 for a first-time offense; $275 for a second violation within 18 months of the first; and $300 for a third violation or subsequent violations within 18 months of the first. An additional penalty of $25 will be issued for each violation for the failure to respond to a notice of violation within the prescribed time period.
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