Schools
Suffolk Buses To Implement New Safety Features Starting This Week
Under the new safety program, buses will have cameras to catch drivers who don't make full stops during school bus stops.
![The new program will include adding cameras to 6,000 buses across Suffolk County.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/22821270/20210302/053414/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-421556398___02173330313.jpg)
SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — The new bus safety program officially launched in Suffolk County this week — however fines won't be implemented until May.
In November, County Executive Steve Bellone announced that the county has partnered with BusPatrol to launch a new school bus transportation safety and enforcement program.
The safety program, which is completely cost-free to taxpayers and school districts according to Bellone, will cover 6,000 buses, adding several new features including cameras to catch drivers who do not make full stops during bus stops.
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The program will implement new technology across all 48 school districts in the county that have chosen to be a part of the program.
"As a father of three children, nothing is more important than ensuring their safety and wellbeing," Bellone said in November. "This new technology will ensure that our students will be further protected against dangerous driving when they are boarding a bus to go to school."
Find out what's happening in Bay Shorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The program began on Monday, but until May 1, drivers who violate the bus stop rules will receive a "warning ticket" and after that, violators will receive a $250 fines, according to News12.
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