Enforcement and ticketing for Syracuse's stop-arm camera program started Wednesday, and if the 30-day warning period is any indication, a lot of motorists need to start paying attention. 

Syracuse drivers who pass around stopped school buses will now receive a $250 fine for a first offense, $275 for a second offense and $300 for a third and subsequent offenses.

In an interview on Wednesday, Mayor Ben Walsh said the 30-day warning period revealed some "scary" numbers. 

“We have seen a number of violations each day. We’re averaging about 200 or so a week, which is really scary when you think about it, that many cars that are going around a bus for whatever reason," Walsh said.

Under state law, drivers approaching a school bus from either direction must stop when its red lights are flashing and stop arm is extended.

“It’s not acceptable, it’s not safe, and with this new tool, were going to be able to hold people accountable,” Walsh said.

The Syracuse Common Council approved the program in June 2023.

The cameras are the first phase of a larger school zone traffic safety initiative that includes automated red-light and speed cameras in designated school zones.

The mayor has said the program will focus on student safety near schools. Syracuse City School District Superintendent Anthony Davis supports the program, calling it a “proactive measure.”