Cameras to catch cars passing school buses

HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Drivers who don't stop for the flashing red lights on school buses may find a traffic ticket in their mailbox.

Drivers are supposed to stop when the school bus lights start flashing, but not everyone does. Soon cameras may be on those buses to catch anyone who doesn't stop.

Back in June, News 8 told you how the Town of Wolcott was using a company called SmartBus Live to install cameras into school buses to watch out for drivers who ignore the flashing school bus lights.

The Hartford Courant reports five other towns are using the company as well, including Hamden, where folks in the local donut shop like the concept.

"Because it's going to stop a lot of people from going by the buses and having accidents," Charles Smith said.
 
"I think we should think of the safety of the kids first and the safety of the kids on the bus. And the guys and gals who are driving the cars should wait their turn," said Theresa Pajer of Durham.

The camera on the side of the bus starts rolling when the yellow lights start flashing. Folks at SmartBus Live monitor the feed for anyone who goes by once the stop sign swings out. They send the video to the local police department, and if they approve, then the registered owner of the car gets a ticket in the mail.

If you get one of those tickets, it comes with information about a website. If you go to the SmartBus Live website, you can click on a button to watch a tape of your car going by the school bus.

Drivers who break the law are subject to a $450 ticket. Some people wonder if that amount is too much.

"I think they should be fined, but that sounds kinda steep," said Bob Ferrigno of Hamden.

However people need a reminder about the law. Val and Theresa Pajer saw someone zip by a bus just this morning.

"A school bus was ahead of us, and somebody passed two cars and myself and passed the school bus," Val said.

Soon drivers like that will be able to see themselves in on-line videos.