$690,000: School buses getting cameras to increase safety

Stop for flashing red lights or get recorded

The Province of New Brunswick is investing $690,000 to install camera systems on school buses in order to help identify drivers who pass buses with their red lights flashing .

School buses are equipped with retractable stop signs that are initiated by the driver when students are getting on and off the bus. It is illegal to pass a bus with its red loading lights flashing and the minimum fine of $284 and a loss of points. The yellow flashing lights are a warning that the bus will soon be coming to a stop.

The cameras will be attached to the retractable stop signs and will be initiated when the driver turns on the loading lights. The cameras will record in both directions, forward and backward.

Miramichi Online has covered motor vehicle trials in the past where people have been accused of failing to stop. The difficulty in prosecuting these cases is often the ability of the bus driver to positively identify the driver. Bus drivers MO))) has spoken to say that many cases are not even reported to police for that reason and they believe the cameras will result in more people being charged and also heightened awareness.

The government issued the following statement when they awarded the contract to a New Brunswick company to supply the cameras.

Investment in student safety
09 August 2023

MONCTON (GNB) – The provincial government is investing in cameras for stop arms on school buses to improve student safety.

“During the school year, thousands of students board our buses to get to and from school,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Bill Hogan. “Continuing and expanding our school bus camera program will make a significant difference when it comes to helping keep our students safe.”

Vehicles that pass a stopped school bus, when it has its stop arm extended and lights flashing, put children at risk, especially if they are crossing the street. Stop-arm cameras record anytime a driver passes a school bus when the stop arm is extended.

The provincial government is purchasing the cameras from Nova Communications, a subsidiary of Rock Networks, for up to $690,000.

“When we have opportunities to invest in the private sector and help support student safety, it’s a win-win for all,” said Service New Brunswick Minister Mary Wilson. “Supporting New Brunswick suppliers also helps create jobs and strengthens the economy of our province and communities.”

“We understand the importance of providing a high-quality product that enhances the safety of communities, and children,” said Joe Hickey, president and CEO of Rock Networks. “This will allow us to continue to expand the range of innovative communications solutions that communities rely on, while also helping to grow New Brunswick’s economy.”

In the 2022-23 fiscal year, more than 81 percent of the value of all goods, services and construction contracts were awarded to local suppliers. This represents roughly $2.3 billion in spending, a contribution of $1.1 billion to the province’s gross domestic product, and $133.4 million in employment income.

At the end of the first quarter in fiscal year 2023-24, 91 percent of the value of all goods, services and construction contracts were awarded to local suppliers.