LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Lake County Schools is set to move forward on a plan to use cameras to capture drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.
On Monday, the school board will vote to approve American Traffic Solutions as the company that will install and run the camera system equipped on school buses.
Director of Transportation Scott Pfender said the district has been working toward implementing the program since last year.
“We’re not doing this to make money, we’re doing this to bring awareness,” Pfender said. “We’re wanting to change behavior. That’s our goal.”
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According to the school district, a one-day tally from bus drivers this year documented 215 drivers who illegally passed stopped school buses.
“Carry that out. 215 by 180 school days, it’s a significant number of violations,” Pfender said.
When the program begins, those caught passing a school bus with a stop-arm deployed will be issued a $225 citation in the mail after a review by law enforcement.
“It’ll take snapshots. There will be front-facing cameras, rear-facing cameras, and cameras on the passenger side as well,” Pfender said.
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Once approved, installation and operation of the camera system will be paid for by American Traffic Solutions, which would split revenue from the citations with the school district.
Pfender said the cameras are expected to be installed before the beginning of the 2026-27 school year.
The school board will vote on the proposal during its meeting on Monday at 6 p.m.