DEPARTMENT: Police Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus, Chief of Police
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Proposed Civil Penalties for Bus Stop-Arm Violations
SUMMARY:
On April 7, 2016, Council members Alan E. Warrick and Ray Lopez requested City Council consider an ordinance that would create a civil penalty for "unlawfully passing a stopped school bus while loading and unloading students", to include an overview of best practices from other major Texas cities. Over the last several years, a number of area school districts have expressed support for increasing penalties for violations of traffic laws that prohibit motorists from passing stopped school buses. In response to the threat posed to child safety by this issue, four school districts - North East ISD, South San ISD, East Central ISD and Judson ISD - implemented bus camera pilot programs to collect data and demonstrate the extent of the problem in their respective communities.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Existing Enforcement Resources
The San Antonio Police Department enforces two school bus-related traffic codes; the table below details the relevant traffic codes and fines associated with each. Over the last three years, a total of 418 citations have been issued to motorists observed violating these codes.
Traffic Violation
Base Fine
Passing Stopped School Bus
$500.00
Passing Stopped School Bus (Construction Zone)
$1,000.00
In addition, the SAPD employs 256 crossing guards which are assigned to elementary schools throughout the city. The FY 2016 budget for the school crossing guard program is $2.4 million which is funded through the Child Safety Fund. The Child Safety Fund is comprised of revenue generated from Bexar County vehicle registrations, parking tickets and moving violations in school zones.
NEISD Pilot Program Data
During the 2012-2013 school year, the NEISD launched a school bus camera pilot program in coordina...
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