Middletown agrees to automated school bus stop‑arm camera program with Neshaminy schools

Middletown Township supervisors unanimously authorized the police department to join Neshaminy School District and Bus Patrol Inc. to enforce stop‑arm violations using cameras mounted on school buses.

Chief Joseph Barrelli told the board the program detects and records vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses while children board or exit. The system produces video that an officer reviews before issuing a civil citation. “This isn’t just illegal. It puts the lives of children at serious risk,” Barrelli said, urging the board to join neighboring municipalities already using the system.

Nut graf: The program issues civil citations only; the fine is set by state practice at $300 and is allocated as follows in the model agreement discussed at the meeting: $150 to Bus Patrol (for equipment and maintenance), $100 to Neshaminy School District, $25 to PennDOT (for appeals), and $25 to the local police department to offset review time. Barrelli said nearby districts have documented thousands of violations annually and that the system has served as a deterrent where it has been deployed.

Board members pressed the chief on staffing implications and appeals. Barrelli said officers will review video evidence and that appeals are heard through a PennDOT level hearing; the contract includes a termination provision allowing parties to withdraw with 90 days’ notice. Supervisors said they expect the police department to track the administrative burden and return to the board if staffing or costs require renegotiation.

The board voted to authorize the police department to enter the five‑year agreement with Neshaminy and Bus Patrol; the motion passed 5‑0.

Ending: The school district plans to outfit buses over the summer with a phased rollout; the program includes an initial warning period before citations start. The police department will monitor volumes and administrative impacts and report back to the board as needed.