Stratford Launches New School Bus Stop-Arm Safety Program to Combat Illegal Passing

Stratford Launches New Program to Combat Illegal School Bus Passing

STRATFORD, CT — In a decisive move to enhance student safety, the Town of Stratford is rolling out a new school bus stop-arm safety program this week, aimed at curbing the alarming trend of illegal school bus passings.

Officials from the Town of Stratford and Stratford Public Schools have joined forces to tackle this pressing issue, emphasizing that the safety of students is their top priority. “Ensuring the safety of our students is our number one priority—nothing is more important,” said Stratford Mayor David Chess. “This initiative aims to change drivers’ behavior to protect children as they travel to and from school each day.”

The program will kick off with a warning period starting this week, during which 63 buses in the Stratford fleet will be outfitted with advanced stop-arm safety technology. This innovative system is designed to detect vehicles that illegally pass a stopped school bus, providing a crucial layer of protection for students.

The warning period will last until April 12, after which the first citations will be issued on Monday, April 13. “When a violation is captured, footage will be reviewed by the Stratford Police Department before a citation is issued,” officials stated in a news release. The minimum civil penalty for a first-time offense is set at $250, but importantly, no points will be assessed on the driver’s license.

This initiative follows a trend seen across Connecticut and New England, with cities like Bridgeport recently implementing similar stop-arm camera programs. “We’re proud to partner with the Town of Stratford and Stratford Public Schools to help make roads safer for Connecticut students,” said Justin Meyers, President and Chief Innovation Officer at BusPatrol. “Data shows that over 90% of first-time violators don’t receive a second ticket—proof that this program is working to change driver behavior and protect children on the roads each day.”

Under Connecticut law, drivers are required to stop for a school bus when its stop signal lights are activated. Violations are treated as civil offenses, with a $250 fine imposed on the vehicle owner, but they do not result in license points or affect insurance rates.

As the program takes effect, officials hope it will serve as a powerful deterrent against reckless driving near school buses, ultimately ensuring that Stratford’s children can travel safely to and from school.