New Haven committee backs ordinance to let cameras on school bus stop arms to catch illegal passes

The Board of Alders’ legislation committee on June 10 advanced an ordinance to allow cameras on school-bus stop arms to detect and cite motorists who illegally pass stopped buses.

City lawyers and Transportation, Traffic and Parking staff said the proposal is based on Public Act 2024-107, which authorizes automated enforcement to deter vehicles from illegally passing stopped school buses. Assistant Corporation Counsel Michael Bullard told the committee the cameras would be mounted near the stop arm so they can photograph vehicles approaching and leaving a stopped bus. "The images are held for as long as required in order to adjudicate the ... They have to be destroyed after the later of 90 days from the date the image was created or 90 days after the final adjudication of an appeal," Bullard said.

Why it matters: City staff and bus drivers told the committee passing stopped school buses is a frequent, citywide safety problem that is difficult for police to enforce by observation alone. Supporters said automated enforcement is intended to change…