Broome School Bus Stop Arm Violators at Record High

It appears few motorists in Broome County are being deterred by the likelihood of being caught on camera and continue to pass stopped school buses in record numbers.

Emergency Services officials report there were 435 school bus stop-arm violations in May, the highest since the stop-arm camera program was implemented a year ago.

The legislature last year approved allowing school districts to install cameras on the stop arms of school buses.  The arms are activated, along with flashing hazard lights when the buses stop to take on or discharge passengers.  The cameras record from several angles and are date and time stamped and notices of violation are sent to the vehicle’s registered owner if a vehicle is recorded passing a stopped bus.

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In January, there were 209 violations, 226 in February, 286 in Marcy and 366 in April, according to county records.

Each initial violation bears a fine of $250. A second violation in 18 months is a fine of $275 and a third violation in an 18-month period is $300.

You can find out more about the program at www.gobroomecounty.com/e911/stop-arm.