Georgia district partners with Redflex, Blue Bird to curb stop-arm running

ATLANTA — In an effort to improve student safety at school bus stops, Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is introducing an automated stop-arm enforcement program utilizing Redflex Student Guardian.

Redflex Student Guardian is a safety camera system that monitors and detects drivers who illegally pass school buses. Redflex has partnered with Blue Bird Corp. to offer the system to the district, which is available from Blue Bird dealers, including Blue Bird Parts and Service.

GCPS plans to initiate the program with the installation of 100 school buses by Labor Day. It expects to outfit up to 40% of its school bus fleet later in the school year, officials said.

The Student Guardian camera system consists of a single enclosure installed approximately 6 feet behind the stop arm, monitoring traffic in both directions. The system is activated when the bus’ stop arm and amber lights are displayed and children are entering or exiting the bus.

Since the technology is automated, the bus driver is free to focus on students, according to the company. Evidence of potential violations, including video and photos, is submitted to local law enforcement to determine whether a citation is warranted.

“We applaud Gwinnett County Public Schools for adopting a technology that promotes safety,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corp. “We are pleased to offer products like the RedFlex Student Guardian stop-arm camera system that enhance student safety and can be installed on all bus brands. It’s a great system, and we expect more and more school districts to install this technology on their school buses going forward.”

“GCPS had many options for a stop-arm enforcement provider. We’re very excited and honored to be selected,” added Thomas O’Connor, president of Redflex Student Guardian. “The Student Guardian program is already operating in five Georgia school districts, with another 66 programs operating throughout the United States. We are confident the program will serve as a deterrent in Gwinnett County, thereby increasing safety for local students.”  

Student Guardian was developed by Redflex Traffic Systems Inc. GCPS has an agreement with Redflex to operate Student Guardian without any upfront costs to the district, city or state. The program is fully funded by violations, officials said.

Other news related to Redflex Traffic Systems:

• 88 stop-arm runners cited in camera program