Richmond Police, RPS team up to catch drivers illegally passing school busses with new cameras

The Richmond Police Department is teaming up with Richmond Public Schools to help ensure students are as safe as possible when they hit the books on the first day of school, next Tuesday, September 5th.

The department is asking motorists to stay alert and drive safely at all times, especially in school zones. This year, for the first time, RPS school buses will be equipped with automated cameras that will record drivers who illegally pass stopped busses.

Drivers who are caught on camera passing a stopped school bus with its lights flashing and the crossarm out will receive a $250 penalty in the mail.

If the driver chooses to contest the violation in court and are found guilty, they will also be subject to court costs and will receive four points on their driver’s license in addition to the fine.

“The Richmond Police Department is happy to assist the school with this program to help catch violators, and most of all keep our children safe while they are headed to and from school,” said Chief Alfred Durham.

“We appreciate the continued support from the Richmond Police Department as they work to identify violators that compromise the safety of our students by illegally passing our school buses,” said Interim Superintendent Tommy Kranz.

Violation notices will not be sent until the photographs of the incident are reviewed and approved by an RPD officer, sources say.

Neither police nor RPS will receive funding from the fines levied by this program, which is being administered by the school system.