LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – The first day of school in Lake County will also be day one of a new school bus camera program to catch people violating laws around school buses.
The school district says 240 buses will be equipped with the stop-arm safety cameras on Monday, Aug. 10.
The school board approved the contract with American Traffic Solutions for the cameras last year. The cameras are meant to catch people who illegally pass stopped school buses in violation of state law.
Images and video taken by the camera system when the stop-arm is extended are reviewed by law enforcement before any warning notice or citation is issued.
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Last year, the school district said a one-day tally from bus drivers documented 215 drivers who illegally passed stopped school buses.
From Sept. 9 through Oct. 9, motorists caught by a camera will receive a warning notice.
After Oct. 9, violators will get a citation from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office that will cost $225.
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Revenue from the citations will be split between American Traffic Solutions and the school district.
The school district is the latest in Florida to add school bus cameras. Brevard County’s cameras went online last year.
Meanwhile, American Traffic Solutions also operates school zone camera systems and red light camera systems in several communities throughout Central Florida.