88 stop-arm runners cited in camera program

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Police here cited 88 school bus stop-arm runners last school year as part of an enforcement program using stop-arm cameras.

Four school buses in New Britain are equipped with the Redflex Student Guardian camera system, which automatically detects drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.

The New Britain Police Department recently released the preliminary data for 2012-13 from the enforcement program, which was launched in 2011 as a partnership between the department and the local school district.

“This year alone we cited 88 motorists for driving around the school bus as children were entering and exiting,” said Philip Caseria, a New Britain police officer. “There is no room for reckless and impatient driving around our school buses. Anything we can do to make drivers act more cautiously is a positive public safety benefit for our community.”

The Student Guardian system is installed on the front and rear driver’s side of a school bus. It monitors traffic while the bus’ stop arm and amber lights are displayed. Evidence of potential violations, including video and photos, is submitted to local law enforcement to determine whether a citation is warranted.

New Britain 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. The fine for illegally passing a stopped school bus in New Britain is $465.

Other recent news on stop-arm safety efforts:

• Campaign aims to curb stop-arm violations in South Carolina