Photo: Port Alberni RCMP
Cameras installed on buses in SD70 are helping Port Alberni RCMP enforce traffic laws around passing school buses on local roadways.
RCMP say that since the cameras were installed in early February, the school district has sent them 15 reports, along with photos, of vehicles passing school buses while their stop signs and flashing lights were activated.
“Hopefully this will drive the message home to motorists about the importance and safety of our young people, ” said Cpl. Amelia Hayden Port Alberni RCMP.
“So far we have noticed that several of these infractions have occurred on the bus routes that stop on Mission Rd at Highway 4 and also along the Johnston Rd corridor.”
The rules of the road in BC state that “Drivers must stop for school buses with flashing lights whether approaching from the front or rear. The vehicle may not proceed until the school bus moves on or the driver turns off the lights or pulls in the stop sign.”
RCMP say any motorist found passing a school bus will be subject to a violation ticket for Fail to Stop for School Bus with a $368 fine and 3 demerit points.
Registered owners are responsible for any vehicle registered in their name, so when police receive a report of a vehicle breaking the rules, the Violation Ticket will be issued to the registered owner, whether or not they were the driver at the time of the offence.
Ben O'Hara
