Monday, May 16, 2016

School Bus Fine More Than Doubled

Posted on 5/16/2016 1:50 PM by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
Fines for drivers passing school buses with flashing lights in BC are more than doubling to $368. Transportation Minister Todd Stone says the increase follows a review of the penalties that found the previous fine of $167 was one of the lowest in Canada and not enough to deter drivers. Drivers will continue to receive three penalty points on top of the tougher fine. "It is important that all motorists understand that passing a school bus with flashing lights is dangerous and puts children's lives at risk," says Stone. "I want to thank the many parents, school bus drivers and school trustees who have brought this issue to the public's attention. It's a result of their tireless advocacy that we have increased the fines to send a message that the safety of our children must come first when driving near school buses." In BC, between 2009 and 2014, 1,100 violation tickets were issued by police for drivers that failed to stop for a school bus. To date, no child has died while getting on or off a school bus, but 14 children have been injured. "The safety of our children travelling to school by bus is a top priority for us," says Mike Bernier, Minister of Education. "The people who drive those buses have a responsibly to get them to school and home safely and we have a responsibility to support them." For a more information about driving penalties and escalating costs:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BG_MOTI_Schoolbussafety.pdf

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