Bensalem Police Report 25 Red Light Violations Per-School Day in Spite of Bus Cameras
On their Facebook page, Bensalem police reported that they’ve seen 25 school bus violations pre-school day on the new bus cameras.
Back in August, Bensalem school district and Bensalem Police announced a new bus program that would install camera’s inside and outside of all of their buses, in order to capture individuals who would ignore safety warnings, passing school busses and putting students in possible danger. According to officials, the cameras are active at all times, and have a 360 degree view of traffic.
Whoever is behind the wheel of the offending car will be fined $300 the first time, with repeat offenders getting more harsher fines. Though the camera’s are doing there job in capturing those who’ve run the red lights, Bensalem Police aren’t thrilled with how many times it’s happening, nor are residents of Bensalem.
“” officials said.
More directly, “I can’t think of something more precious then your children. We strongly encourage everyone to follow the law,” said Public Safety Director William McVey in August.
In the state legislature, Act 38 of 2020 sadly became law, and should be repealed. This law modified the stop-arm camera law for illegally passing school buses. It assumes a vehicle’s owner was driving, and takes away all the person’s rights. Will also allow multiple entities to reap profits, based upon the number of tickets, which will act as an incentive to make sure the tickets keep flowing. The goal should be to prevent illegal school bus passing, not try to rake in revenue without trying to correct a potential problem. The law will do nothing to solve anything, as that is not the point. Where is a requirement for a minimum flashing yellow duration? How about mandating stop-arm extenders to block the next lane? Making bus stops only on the right side of the bus to prevent crossing the roads? Adults to cross the kids, as some areas do? Moving bus stops to smaller roads and away from intersections?
If a flashing yellow is too short, what is the incentive to fix it? Same for moving bus stops to more suitable locations. In some places you may not see a bus, may not be able to safely stop, or not know if you must stop. Pennsylvania law differs from those of most states, as there is no nationwide standard. You will not see a bus on intersecting roads. What happens if you are already near the bus when the lights change to flashing reds? Are split-second violations issued? Also, people may end up slamming the brakes or flooring it, if they think they could get tickets. This would actually create an unsafe situation, perhaps?
Pull up the National Motorists Association.
Just stop for the friggin school buses it’s not that hard. Everyone is in a hurry . Slow down