Syracuse Sun

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the initiation of a warning period for the city's new school bus stop-arm camera enforcement program, set to begin on April 21. This initiative aims to enhance student safety by tracking drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses through cameras mounted on the buses.

Partnering with the Syracuse Police Department and the Syracuse City School District, the program will capture violations as they occur. During the first 30 days, violators will receive a warning instead of a fine. Each recorded infraction is reviewed by the SPD before a warning is mailed to the vehicle's registered owner.

Mayor Walsh emphasized the importance of the program in maintaining student safety and urged drivers to be cautious around school buses. “Ensuring the safety of our children as they travel to and from school is an absolute top priority,” he said.

Starting May 21, fines will be enforced: $250 for the first violation, $275 for the second, and $300 for subsequent infractions within 18 months. An additional $25 penalty may also apply.

Police Chief Joe Cecile highlighted the importance of holding motorists accountable. “This equipment and software will provide us with the ability to hold motorists accountable if they jeopardize the safety of our children by passing a stopped school bus,” he stated.

Superintendent Anthony Davis expressed support for the program. “The Syracuse City School District is in full support of the new bus stop-arm camera enforcement because it amplifies the safety of our students and holds drivers accountable for their actions,” Davis said.

Authorized by New York State, the program also aligns with the state's regulations requiring vehicles to stop for school buses with extended stop-arms and flashing lights. Approved by the Syracuse Common Council in June 2023, this initiative is the first step in a larger effort to improve school zone traffic safety. Plans to introduce automated red-light and speed cameras in school zones are underway for later this year.