Drivers could be ticketed for passing school buses, even when police aren’t around

PEORIA (25 NEWS) - Drivers could soon receive a ticket for passing a school bus, even if police are not present. Cameras are being installed on the exterior of all Peoria Public Schools buses. Leaders say they are responding to an increasing problem.

“We have to do everything we can to ensure the safety of our children,” said PPS Transportation Director, Josh Collins.

Collins said each of their school buses see at least one stop arm violation everyday.

“It is such a safety concern for us that we really need to take it to the next step,” said Collins.

Along with updating the cameras inside the buses, that next step was to put cameras on the outside. The cameras will record any driver that goes past the bus with its stop arm out.

“We can’t have an officer present at every single stop, so everybody does what they’re supposed to do,” said Collins.

A grant will cover the roughly $300,000 cost to install cameras for about 80 buses.

“I’m relieved,” said Collins.

After approval from the city council, the district and city will split the ticket revenue. It will be $300 for a first offender.

“I receive complaints about it all the time in my district. So once the proposal came forth it was no brainer,” said 4th District Councilman Andre Allen.

Allen said he’s glad to see the city and district collaborate.

“Hopefully it curbs that behavior and we keep our kids safe,” said Allen.

The school board has the final step in approval. They will decide whether the video should be sent to police, who would then generate the tickets.

“We are hoping to have everything in place by the next school year,” said Collins.

At this point, police and city leaders have said it is still in the decision process of how these citations will affect driving records.

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