Drivers in Syracuse should think twice before blowing past a stopped school bus. The city launched its new camera enforcement program this week aimed at catching, and fining, motorists who ignore bus stop arms and flashing lights.
The system, installed on all 230 First Student buses in the district, uses high-definition cameras equipped with infrared and radar technology to capture vehicles illegally passing buses from up to four lanes away.
Mayor Ben Walsh announced the launch of the program this week, which begins with a 30-day warning period. Starting May 21, violations will carry a minimum $250 fine, increasing by $25 for each additional offense within an 18-month span.
“We don’t know exactly why a bus has stopped, but we do know there is a good reason,” Walsh said. “When people disregard these signs and these flashing lights, they put lives in danger.”
The cameras, provided by the German company Jenoptik, are the city’s latest attempt to crack down on reckless driving near schools. School Superintendent Anthony Davis welcomed the new safety measure.
“All too often we see drivers who are in a hurry disobey the posted speed limits and traffic laws in front of our more than 30 school buildings,” Davis said. “If these cameras can keep one more child safe… they are a good investment.”
First Deputy Police Chief Richard Shoff echoed the sentiment, adding that the cameras will supplement ongoing law enforcement efforts.
“We can dedicate a lot of police resources to it, but it’s a problem if you don’t stay on it,” Shoff said. “It’s my hope that once the public realizes these cameras are there, and you will get caught, behavior will be curtailed.”
Although the violations will generate fines, Walsh insisted the program is not about money.
“I hope that we generate zero revenue from this program because that will mean people are driving safely,” he said.
The stop-arm camera initiative is part of Syracuse’s larger Vision Zero campaign — a strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries. The city plans to install red-light and speed enforcement cameras at school zones later this year.
