Council President Valerie Ervin Proposes Cameras on School Buses

(D-Dist.5) proposed legislation Tuesday that would use external cameras on county school buses to fine drivers who don't stop for children getting on or off the bus.

A public hearing on the measure is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 24. 2012.

Bill 37-11—also sponsored by Council Vice President Roger Berliner (D-Dist. 1), Councilmembers Phil Andrews (D-Dist. 3) and Craig L. Rice (D-Dist. 2)—would outfit many of the 1,264 county school buses with the technology to catch offending drivers, according to a Washington Post Report.

The technology placed on the school buses would operate similar to a speed camera, by capturing a photo of the violator’s license and issuing a citation with a maximum fine of $250.

Previously, regulation depended on school bus drivers or police officers to identify drivers who break the law. Only then would drivers face a maximum penalty of $1,000 and three points on their driver’s license, according to the report. But often only a warning letter is sent out.

Initially, the county would be responsible for purchasing and installing the cameras, according to the proposed bill.

The costs of the program and timeframe hasn't been determined.