Motorists who pass a stopped school bus can expect a citation in the mail come Monday.
The new bus safety program, BusPatrol, for the School District of Lee County will begin its citation enforcement on Dec. 8 with violators potentially seeing a $225 fine.
Safety, Security and Fleet Operations Chief Dave Newlan said the safety campaign began Nov. 5 and has seen an average of 1,500 violations per week during the warning period.
The more than 600 bus fleet of the school district have cameras installed, equipping them with the technology of capturing motorists that bypass the outstretched school bus stop sign illegally. The cameras capture images on both sides of the bus.
According to the school board presentation Monday, the technology, installation and maintenance of the cameras was provided at no cost to the taxpayer, or school district. The drivers paying the fine pay for the program.
Newlan said when there is an illegal pass captured by the camera, it is reviewed by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. A notice of violation is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle with a link of the video captured.
“If no action is taken after 60 days, it can become a uniformed traffic citation,” he said, which will be issued by law enforcement by certified mail.
If the civil penalty is paid, the case is resolved.
Newlan said citations can be contested by an administrative hearing, which must be requested within 60 days, and the hearing must be scheduled within 120 days. If it is upheld, the penalty, plus the hearing cost is due 30 days after the receipt of the final adjudication letter. If dismissed, he said, no payment is owed.
The registered owner can also submit an affidavit to show another person had custody and control of the vehicle, the vehicle was stolen, or the owner was deceased. If valid, the notice of violation is dismissed and issued to the identified person.
“We don’t want them to be in violation. It is about kid’s safety. Please pay attention when driving in the morning and afternoon,” Newlan said. “Up to 90% of first-time violators are not repeat offenders.”
Board member Melisa Giovannelli said there are so many people very excited about the cameras and recognize how important safety is for students.
“They are asking when the cameras will be in the classroom. I want to say thank you. I am excited for this,” she said.
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email news@breezenewspapers.com