Orange County cracks down on drivers who illegally pass school buses with cameras

Officials in Orange County are cracking down on drivers who illegally pass school buses with students onboard.

Some school buses in the county are being equipped with cameras that snap a photo of a driver’s license plate if they pass while the stop arm is extended.

Officials said at a news conference in Washingtonville on Monday that the technology, offered by the company Bus Patrol, doesn’t cost the county or school districts money and that it’s paid for with proceeds from a $250 court-imposed fine.

“This becomes a major public safety remedy. I am thankful to the school districts that have signed up,” says Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus.

So far, four school districts in Orange County have signed up to participate including Washingtonville, Kiryas Joel, Middletown and Newburgh.

Officials say they expect all county’s school districts will eventually sign on.

As of now, warnings will be issued to drivers whose license plates are captured passing school buses. Officials say tickets and fines will begin to be imposed starting June 8.