Bus scamera ticket at a railroad crossing!
This is a safety fraud, the so called reform bill allowing the fix to be a “judge” is another example of bus scameras being about money.
Stop the safety fraud of bus scameras
No one is being pick up at a railroad crossing!
That’s because despite Florida law that clearly states these bus camera fines must include instruction on how to contest a violation, we discovered, in Polk County, drivers who get fined for passing a stopped school bus can’t challenge their violation until after 30 days, when the $225 violation is upgraded to a $329 uniform traffic citation.
Read the full article at ABC Action News
Summary of Florida’s Controversial School Bus Camera Program
Quick Overview
Florida’s new school bus camera program, aimed at enhancing student safety, has sparked significant controversy, leading to the suspension of the program in several districts. Investigative Reporter Katie LaGrone highlights the frustrations of drivers who have received fines under this system, revealing systemic issues that complicate the appeal process and raise questions about the program’s fairness.
Key Points
- Suspension of the Program: A major school district in Florida has suspended its school bus camera program amid growing concerns over its implementation and fairness.
- Driver Frustrations: Many drivers, like Cleo Davis, have reported receiving fines for violations they believe are unjust, particularly at railroad crossings where they thought buses were stopping legally.
- Complicated Appeal Process: Drivers are required to pay a fine before they can contest their violation, which can lead to increased penalties and confusion about their rights.
- Profit Motive Concerns: The camera vendor, Verra Mobility, receives a significant portion of the fines, leading some to label the program as a “money grab.”
- Legislative Issues: Stakeholders, including the camera vendor and local authorities, acknowledge that the current legislation governing the program needs modification to align with best practices in automated enforcement.
Detailed Breakdown
Program Overview
The school bus camera program was introduced to improve safety at bus stops by using cameras to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped buses. However, since its rollout, it has generated over 200,000 citations across three counties and nearly $30 million in fines within just the first half of the school year.
Driver Experiences
Cleo Davis’s case exemplifies the frustrations drivers face. After receiving multiple citations for passing a school bus, Davis expressed disbelief, stating, “I felt like it was really strong-arm robbery.” His experience highlights the confusion surrounding the law, particularly at railroad crossings where he believed he was not in violation.
Appeal Process Complications
In Polk County, the process for contesting a school bus camera citation is convoluted. Drivers must wait 30 days after their initial fine to contest it, during which time the fine increases significantly. This system has left many drivers feeling powerless and unaware of their rights. David Uria, another driver who contested his citation, noted, “I had no idea I should have had the right to contest my violation before it was upgraded.”
Financial Implications
The financial burden on drivers is considerable, with fines escalating from $225 to $329. The school district and sheriff’s office have pointed fingers at each other regarding responsibility for the citation process, while Verra Mobility has stated that they are working with lawmakers to improve the system.
Legislative Context
Despite the ongoing issues, the program continues to operate in Polk and Hillsborough Counties. Verra Mobility has indicated that modifications to the existing legislation are necessary to ensure compliance and fairness in the enforcement of school bus stop violations.
Notable Quotes & Data
- “It’s crazy,” said Davis, reflecting on the unfairness of the system.
- Over 200,000 citations have been issued, generating nearly $30 million in fines.
- “The current school bus stop arm legislation should be modified,” acknowledged a Verra Mobility spokesperson.
Context & Implications
The suspension of the school bus camera program in some districts raises critical questions about the balance between enhancing student safety and ensuring fair treatment of drivers. As the program continues to generate significant revenue, stakeholders must address the underlying issues to restore public trust. The ongoing legislative discussions will be pivotal in determining the future of automated enforcement programs in Florida and their impact on community safety and driver rights. ty and driver rights.