December 18, 2019 -- The North Shore School District 112 (NSSD112) Board of Education and the City of Highland Park approved an intergovernmental agreement to establish an Automated Traffic Law Enforcement System to help increase public safety. The Automated Traffic Law Enforcement System uses stop-arm cameras to penalize drivers who pass a school bus with the stop arm extended.
“This measure marks a significant step forward for student safety in District 112,” said Dr. Mike Lubelfeld NSSD112 Superintendent of Schools. “This technology allows our bus drivers to focus on driving and caring for our students as opposed to writing down the license plate numbers. The law is clear; when a school bus stops and the lights are on, and the arm is extended, drivers must stop.”
When a school bus extends its stop-arm, and a vehicle passes the school bus, the cameras capture images and video of the violating vehicle, which will be reviewed by law enforcement. Violation fines range from $300 to $1,000.
“Public safety is a core priority for the City of Highland Park and we are pleased to collaborate on this important initiative, related public education, and manage enforcement,” said Police Chief Lou Jogmen. “It is impossible to know how many lives the system and related law will save, but even one will make it worthwhile."
NSSD112 has installed bus stop-arm cameras on all school buses, and enforcement by the City of Highland Park will begin immediately. The District’s transportation provider, First Student, will maintain the cameras.
“School buses are the safest way to get to and from school. However, students face an increasing danger when entering and exiting the bus,” said Bryan Williams, First Student location manager. “There is no excuse for passing a stopped school bus. When motorists disobey the law, they put children at risk. We believe the cameras will enhance our efforts to keep students and bus drivers safe.”
For additional information about the program, please contact the City of Highland Park at cityhp@cityhpil.com or contact North Shore School District 112 at nglenn@nssd112.org.