LISTOWEL – Perth County OPP have charged the owner of a vehicle after it drove through the stop arm and flashing lights of a school bus last week.
On Wednesday, Nov. 24, police were contacted after a vehicle was seen driving through the overhead red flashing light and extended stop arm on a school bus just before 9 a.m. The bus stop on Tremaine Avenue South to allow kids to board.
The license plate of the vehicle was obtained by police, and the owner, a 33-year-old North Perth resident, has been charged with fail to stop for a school bus – owner.
Police do not release the name of the accused for this type of traffic violation, unlike careless driving or stunt driving.
Police say vehicle owners need to be aware that if the driver cannot be identified, the owner can be charged for the offence, provided the license plate number is obtained by any witnesses.
If convicted, the driver/owner can be fined not less than $400 and up to $2,000 for a first-time offence, and a fine not less than $1,000 and up to $4,000 or imprisonment for subsequent offence(s). They would also be subjected to six demerit points to their license.
Police report there have been a number of similar reports throughout Perth County.
“Every driver must stop for school buses, and driving around or past a stopped bus could have deadly consequences if a child is crossing the roadway. Police are reminding all drivers to slow down and pay attention to the roadway,” stated police in a news release on Dec. 2.
“Drivers approaching a stopped school bus from the front, with its overhead red signal lights flashing, shall stop in front of the school bus and not pass until the signals are turned off and the bus moves.”
