Many drivers who have been ticketed were driving on the opposite side of a raised median from school buses. That’s legal.
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Summary of Miami Drivers’ Frustrations with School Bus Camera Program
Miami-Dade County drivers are expressing significant frustration over the school district’s bus camera program, operated by BusPatrol. Allegations of unfair ticketing practices have emerged, with many motorists claiming they received fines for violations they did not commit. This situation raises questions about the program’s effectiveness and fairness.
Key Points
Automated Ticketing System: Miami-Dade’s School Bus Safety Program employs camera technology to catch drivers illegally passing school buses with extended stop-arms. The program has issued tens of thousands of violation notices since its inception.
High Revenue Generation: The initiative reportedly generates over 407 paid violations daily, accumulating approximately $19.5 million in just six months. BusPatrol retains 70% of the revenue, which will decrease to 60% after two years.
Issues with Contesting Violations: Motorists who believe they received tickets unjustly face significant barriers when attempting to contest their violations. As of January, no hearings had been scheduled for challenges made since the program began.
Legal and Safety Concerns: Critics argue that the program unfairly penalizes drivers who are following the law, particularly those passing school buses legally across a raised median. The lack of a streamlined process for contesting tickets has left many feeling powerless.
Detailed Breakdown
Automated Ticketing and Revenue
The Miami-Dade school district’s partnership with BusPatrol has led to the installation of cameras on school buses to catch violators. The program has issued a staggering number of violation notices, with statistics showing that more than 407 violations are recorded daily. This has resulted in substantial revenue, raising concerns about the program being a “money grab” rather than a genuine safety initiative.
Complaints of Bogus Violations
Many drivers, including Robert Strongarone and Jennifer Gonzalez, reported receiving tickets despite driving legally. Strongarone was fined while driving on the opposite side of a raised median, which is allowed under Florida law. The investigation revealed that numerous motorists are being ticketed for actions that do not pose a threat to student safety.
Barriers to Contesting Tickets
Motorists can contest their violation notices; however, the process has proven to be daunting. Despite numerous challenges submitted, no hearings have been scheduled, leading to frustration and feelings of helplessness among affected drivers. Jennifer Gonzalez noted, “I feel like they make it so difficult for you to get a resolution that people just pay it. And I don’t think that that’s fair.”
Law Enforcement Oversight
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is responsible for reviewing the video evidence from the bus cameras before fines are issued. However, reports suggest that many improper violations are not being filtered out. Detective Luis Sierra claimed that deputies have eliminated over 27,440 improper violations, but the ongoing complaints indicate a systemic issue.
Notable Quotes & Data
- “They are literally stealing from us,” said Ernesto Dominguez, expressing the financial strain of receiving a $225 fine.
- “Government officials should be ashamed,” remarked Don Casey, a 77-year-old driver facing a hefty fine that he equates to essential grocery money.
Context & Implications
The Bus Safety Program, while aimed at protecting children, has drawn significant criticism for its implementation and the financial burden it places on drivers. The partnership between BusPatrol and the school district raises questions about the motives behind the program, particularly given the substantial revenue generated for the private company. As the program expands to other counties, the need for a fair and transparent process for contesting violations becomes increasingly urgent.
In conclusion, the Miami-Dade school bus camera program highlights the challenges of balancing public safety with fair enforcement practices. As more drivers come forward with complaints, the need for reform and accountability within the system becomes apparent.