Transport Canada Strengthens Safety by Adding New Cameras to School Buses
February 3, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario – Today, Transport Canada announced new measures to enhance school bus safety by requiring the installation of additional cameras on all school buses in Canada. This initiative comes as part of the government’s broader commitment to improving road safety and protecting vulnerable road users, particularly children.
The new cameras will be installed at the front and rear of school buses, providing a wider field of view and capturing high-quality footage of vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses. The footage will be used as evidence to identify and prosecute offenders, deterring dangerous driving behavior and making school bus stops safer for students.
Key Features of the New Cameras:
- Front-mounted camera: Captures clear images of vehicles passing school buses from the front, including license plate numbers.
- Rear-mounted camera: Provides a comprehensive view of the area behind the school bus, detecting vehicles that illegally pass from the rear.
- Night vision capability: Ensures footage is captured in low-light conditions, enhancing safety during morning and evening bus routes.
- Data storage: Footage is securely stored for a period of time, allowing for easy access and retrieval as needed.
Implementation Timeline:
The new camera requirement will be phased in over the next two years. All school buses in Canada must be equipped with the new cameras by September 2026. Transport Canada will work closely with provincial and territorial governments, school boards, and bus operators to ensure a smooth implementation process.
Benefits of the New Cameras:
- Increased safety for students: The cameras will provide irrefutable evidence of illegal passing, deterring dangerous driving behavior and creating safer school bus stops.
- Prosecution and penalties: The footage will be used to identify and prosecute drivers who violate school bus safety laws, imposing significant penalties and consequences.
- Education and awareness: The new cameras will serve as a reminder to drivers about the importance of school bus safety, encouraging compliance and raising awareness of the risks involved in illegal passing.
- Improved data collection: The data collected by the cameras will provide valuable insights into the prevalence of illegal passing and inform future safety initiatives.
Support and Collaboration:
Transport Canada recognizes the importance of collaboration and support in implementing this new safety measure. The government will work with the following stakeholders:
- Provincial and territorial governments
- School boards
- Bus operators
- Law enforcement agencies
- Road safety advocates
- The public
By working together, we can create a safer transportation environment for our children and ensure that school bus stops are safe and secure for all students.
Quote from the Minister of Transport:
“The safety of our children is paramount. These new cameras will provide enhanced protection for students and deter drivers from engaging in dangerous and illegal behavior around school buses. By working together, we can make our roads safer and create a brighter future for our communities.” – The Honorable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport
Additional Information:
- For more information on school bus safety, visit the Transport Canada website: www.tc.gc.ca/en/road-transportation/school-bus-safety.html
- To report an incident of illegal passing of a school bus, contact your local law enforcement agency.
Contact:
Media Relations Transport Canada media@tc.gc.ca
Transport Canada strengthens safety by adding new cameras to school buses
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