A warning period is underway in Hilton as part of the rollout of the Monroe County School Bus Safety Program.
Hilton has equipped 81 school buses with advanced camera technology and starting on Nov. 15, drivers who illegally pass a school bus will be issued citations.
The warning period began on Oct. 16, which coincided with the beginning of National School Bus Safety Week.
The Hilton Central School district says the 30-day warning period includes a public awareness campaign designed to educate people on school bus safety laws along with the installation of five road signs in high violation areas.
“By taking the lead in joining the Monroe County School Bus Safety Program, the Hilton Central School District is sending a clear message: the safety of our children is non-negotiable,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “Thank you to BusPatrol for their partnership, and to Hilton Central and all the other Monroe County school districts who have signed on to participate in this program, which will ensure our kids are safer as they walk to and from their school buses.”
During the warning period, any driver who fails to stop for a stopped school bus with lights flashing will receive a warning letter in the mail about the violation but it will not come with a fine.
Altogether, 419 buses throughout Monroe County will be equipped with the same advanced cameras as those in the Hilton CSD. Officials say the technology, installation and maintenance are provided at no cost to the school district or taxpayers.
More information about Monroe County’s stop-arm camera safety program can be found at www.monroecounty.gov/school-bus-safety.