Nearly 500 school buses in Broome County are expected to be equipped with stop arm cameras at no cost to taxpayers.

County Executive Jason Garnar said Verra Mobility has agreed to install a camera on every school bus for free.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Garnar said the equipment costs will be covered through revenue raised by fines paid by drivers who illegally pass stopped buses.

The county executive said the legislature this month is expected to act on the plan to clear the way to work with school districts on the camera initiative.

Garnar said he anticipates the first of the cameras could be installed on school buses next spring.

The county executive said the equipment will make it easier to enforce the law. He said: "I guess you can still be an idiot and pass a stopped school bus but as soon as these cameras get on the buses, you're going to get a pretty hefty fine."

A first-time offense for passing a school bus with its red lights activated carries a $250 fine.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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