Strathcona County drivers warned about $576 fine for passing school buses with lights flashing

File photo of school bus stop sign. (CTV News)

Strathcona County says concern is growing about the number of drivers passing school buses as they load and unload students.

So-called “fly-bys” happen when drivers pass a stopped bus with its flashing red lights activated, the county says.

Drivers are required by law to stop for any school bus with flashing red lights.

The county says hot spots for fly-bys are on Highway 16, Highway 14 and Range Road 215.

Both Elk Island Public Schools and Elk Island Catholic Schools are working closely with Strathcona County RCMP and enforcement services to find solutions to the problem.

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“Passing a school bus with flashing lights and an extended stop sign is not just illegal, it may result in the loss of a child’s life,” Lisa-Marie Weder of Elk Island Public Schools said in a news release on Friday.

“A child’s life is far too precious to risk for a moment of impatience.”

“Our drivers are fully trained and committed to getting our students safely to and from school each day — but this is also a community responsibility,” Mike Hayden of Elk Island Catholic Schools wrote.

“If you ‘fly-by’ a bus with its red flashing lights on and stop sign engaged, your license plate will be recorded and reported.”

Officials say school buses are now equipped with cameras, which will allow bus drivers to share video with law enforcement, who will issue tickets to violators.

Residents can also report fly-bys to Strathcona County Enforcement Services 24/7 by phoning 780-467-7741.

The fine for a fly-by is $576 and six demerit points.