Police post video showing drivers passing stopped school buses in Neshaminy School District

MIDDLETOWN TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Police in Middletown Township, Bucks County, are highlighting drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.

Since the start of the school year, all 102 school buses in the Neshaminy School District have been equipped with cameras through a partnership with Middletown police.

This "bus patrol program" targets motorists who drive past a bus while its red lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended. Officers involved in the program say the number of violations captured on camera has been striking.

"Every single day. I log on to check and see how many we have in the queue, and it just amazes me that every single day we have more to look at," said Melissa Robison, the Middletown Police Department's community relations officer.

Robison said she decided to post a compilation of the violations on the department's Facebook page to raise awareness. Since this past September, she said, 1,900 people have been cited - an average of about 10 violations per day.

After each case is reviewed and the owner of the offending vehicle is identified, the owner is mailed a $300 fine, Robison said. She added that penalties are more severe if an officer witnesses the violation in person.

"If the police had given that citation, it would be over $500; you get five points on your license, there's a PennDOT suspension hearing. So, it is far worse if the police catch you doing this," Robison said.

Neshaminy parents and grandparents say it simply makes no sense to put children at unnecessary risk.

"I worry about the kids running past, crossing the street, and stupid people are not stopping. It's not like they can't see a big yellow school bus," said Susan Crescenzo of Middletown.

"I am afraid for all the kids that could get hurt by these people that don't pay attention," said Susan Dunkley of Langhorne.

According to PennDOT, drivers should stop at least 10 feet away from a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended.