The City of Bridgeport will install cameras on the outside of every school bus to detect unsafe drivers and record their license plates.
Connecticut’s stop-arm law prohibits any vehicle from passing a school bus when its red lights are flashing.
Once the cameras are installed, when vehicles pass a Bridgeport school bus stopped for a pick-up or drop-off, the license plate will be recorded and sent to the police.
First-time violators are charged $450 and the fine increases with each violation.
“This is a critical step towards protecting young people in our community from dangerous driving habits,” Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim said in a statement. “Through the implementation of this program, violators can now be held accountable and we expect a substantial decrease in violations over time.”
BusPatrol will install, maintain, and fund the safety upgrade in exchange for a percentage of the funds from ticketing violators.
