Bensalem Township School District and Police officials held a press joint conference at Cornwells Elementry school Thursday to announce the launching of bus safety program for the upcoming school year to keep school children safe.

All school buses in the district now have 360 degree cameras designed to detect vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses, public safety officials said.

Cameras are active at all times, officials said, however side and roof cameras are activated when busses come to a stop to pick up students, extending for several lanes of traffic on the drivers side will be captured by video, officials said.

Cameras will capture license plates and have a 360 degree view of traffic. If a motorist violates by passing a school bus, the video of an alleged violation is sent to police, officials explained.

If someone does violate the law, it’s reviewed by law enforcement, and once approved, a notice of violation is sent to the registered vehicle owner by mail, officials said.

First time offenses carry a fine of $300, and repeat offenders will get more severe penalties, Bensalem officials said.

The best part about this program for Bensalem residents, is that not only does it keep kids safe, but it will also not cost taxpayers or residents anything, as it’s being funded by those who allegedly break the law.

Bensalem School District Superintendent Dr.Samuel Lee, said the project first got started back in January of this year.

Public Director of Safety William McVey talked it over with Dr. Lee, and though it took a few minutes to explain, he got the idea of the projects focus.

“During the day, more then two thousand people come through this town.” Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo said. “People who work here, people who pass through the town, and tourist are all on the road during the day.”

In the past there have been two incidents in the district that involved students getting struck by vehicles, due to someone passing a bus illegally, officials said.

The first incident  was in 2014, when a student from Bensalem High School was killed on the Bensalem Boulevard and Bridgewater Road.

The second incident occurred in 2020, when a  student was struck, this time at the the intersection of Bensalem Boulevard and Timber Lane, officials said.

McVey hopes that these new bus camera’s will prevent anymore incidents from happening, he said.

“I can’t think of something more precious then your children. We strongly encourage everyone to follow the law.”

Along with the 360 degree camera’s, the buses also have cameras inside, GPS tracking, and emergency response solutions.

Bensalem School District is the first in southeastern PA to get these upgrades, and they won’t be the last, as other districts in Bucks County also will be implementing camera’s inside and out to capture any drivers who blow by school buses.