BPS to launch handheld cameras for school bus stops

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Public Schools leaders and parents on Thursday announced the launch of a new safety program, under which all school buses will be equipped with stop cameras.

“No one wants to get that phone call that their child has been hit by a car while they are just trying to go to school or get home from school,” said Ed Speidel, president of the Coordinating Council parents from Buffalo and parents of students who go to BPS.

According to the state Highway Safety Committee, approximately 50,000 vehicles illegally pass school buses every day in New York state. The cameras will catch anyone illegally passing a stopped school bus.

“There are a bunch of different cameras on the bus and there is an AI system that monitors the cameras that is specifically designed to detect a violation,” said Justin Meyers, president and CIO of Bus Patrol. “We double-check it, double-check it, and then it goes to the city and it’s the city that reviews and decides whether or not it’s a violation.”

WKBW

BPS and city leaders are warning the community to prepare for the new technology.

There will be an awareness period from July 1 to September 30, when infringement warnings will be issued.

Once the execution period begins, you also receive video footage of you committing the crime.

BPS Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams told 7 News the new program promises to be more effective than the speed camera debacle of years ago.

“I think with the school zone cameras, it was really about taking a snapshot of activity at a certain distance from the school. I think these cameras will be able to monitor activity regardless where it takes place,” Dr. Williams said.

Anthony King, First Student bus driver and mechanic, says these cameras and the dissemination of their information can prevent accidents.

“This is a safety measure for children crossing streets and even if they go off the sidewalk, sometimes if there is a lot of space and they are trying to squeeze through, it can be a danger to children,” King said.