PORT CHARLOTTE — A new Florida law allows school districts to install cameras on buses to capture evidence of motorists violating driving rules.
Each district can implement its own detection system/program as long as it meets specific the state Board of Education standards.
On Tuesday, Charlotte County School Board members heard a presentation on how to implement a pilot program — from Jan. 25 to June 30 in 36 school buses in Englewood, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda.
It covers about 41% of the district’s 125-plus bus fleet.
The pilot program requires a partnership with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office to review the alleged violations.
After June, if the School Board wants to continue the partnership, it can buy the cameras. It would become part of the district’s safety plan and the enforcement responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office.
“Part of the legislation is a public service announcement component to deter the public from violating school bus rules through warnings,” district Transportation Director Anthony Conte said. “Motorists must be given time to learn about the cameras on the buses. Then if they are caught violating after the warning period, the sheriff’s office can issue violations.”