After years of complaints from parents over drivers not stopping for school buses, Albany County installed ‘stop arm’ cameras on buses in certain districts. The result – a staggering amount of tickets issued and near seven figures in collections of fines.
Spectrum News reports that since the cameras were activated in January of 2023, more than 2,700 tickets were issued in the first three months alone. The district with the most offenders was South Colonie – where over 900 tickets a month were given out. Bethlehem was second with around 80 per month.
The Guilderland School District just implemented the cameras within the last few weeks and the Berne-Knox-Westerlo district is expected to get them soon.
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy says a first time offense will cost each driver $250. So far, the fines have netted over $700,000 for the county.
feature photo: Jill Rose from Pixabay