ALLENTOWN, Pa. (WLVT) - Some Allentown School District buses now have cameras near the stop arm to catch people illegally passing when the bus is stopped.
This came about after an Allentown parent contacted Senator Pat Browne, expressing her concern for the safety of students. In the past, Sen. Browne said bus drivers are responsible for the students, but they also have to be responsible for writing down the information of the car who drove by. “It just wasn’t practical,” said Sen. Browne. “It led to little enforcement.”
Sen. Browne said the goal is to deter people from passing school buses, by having a clear way to identify and fine the violator. “With this evidence, the enforcement’s pretty clear,” said Sen. Browne. “The stop arm cameras will work when someone passes the bus when the red lights are on, just like the systems at the turnpike, or a camera at the stop light.”
ASD is partnering with Bus Patrol America, LLC on this project and the pilot program is not costing the district any money. Superintendent Thomas Parker is also in support of this project, as it will help keep all students safe. “This really gives us the opportunity to ensure that we give parents that ease of knowing that the school district, as well as our legislators, are working in tandem to create safer spaces for our kids.”
Sen. Browne said the plan is to use the money generated from this pilot program to hopefully fund more cameras on buses in the future.
