Warning Period for School Bus Passing Violations Ending In Brewster

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Putnam drivers, be aware: the warning period for passing a stopped school bus in the Brewster, Carmel and Mahopac school districts will end on April 28, after which the Bus Patrol system will begin flagging violations through cameras on the buses' stop arms.

The three school districts already have most of their buses outfitted with camera systems. In fact, more than 300 warning notices have issued since the program began on April 1 in those districts, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office reported.

Police remind all drivers that starting Monday, if they pass a stopped Brewster, Carmel or Mahopac school bus with the red lights flashing, they will receive a violation notice in the mail.

The fine for the first offense is $250 and increases for subsequent violations.

"The safety of our children is of the utmost importance, and drivers are reminded that they should begin to slow down as they approach a school bus with the yellow lights flashing in anticipation of the bus stopping and children either entering or exiting the bus," said Sheriff Kevin McConville.

School-bus-camera tickets are based on an evidence package that contains video and GPS telemetry. BusPatrol offers drivers a way to review their offense online.

According to the company, the technology reduces the rate of illegal passings by up to 30 percent year over year.