The B.C. government has promised tougher penalties are on the way for drivers who recklessly ignore school bus warning lights.
The province’s current penalty for passing school buses that have flashing red lights activated, indicating students are boarding or stepping off, consists of a $167 fine and three driver penalty points.
That’s far below the penalties in almost every other province and territory, but Transportation Minister Todd Stone said changes are coming soon.
"Failing to stop puts children at risk and this is a concern to all British Columbians," Stone said Wednesday.
“Ministry staff have begun discussions with stakeholders, including the police, and we can expect changes to be in place before the end of the school year."
It’s unclear what the new punishments could be, but B.C. currently has the second-lowest penalties in Canada.
By comparison, Prince Edward Island charges violators between $1,000 and $5,000 for a first offence. Ontario hands motorists six demerit points and a fine of up to $2,000, while New Brunswick dings drivers $1,006 and takes away their licences.
B.C. decided to revisit its penalties following a CTV News investigation in January that caught motorists zooming past bus driver Judy Kapwyk during her route in Surrey.
Even though drivers in both directions are supposed to stop when school buses have warning lights activated, nine vehicles were recorded passing her bus and continuing on their way.
Klapwyk said she’s thrilled that the government wants to do more to discourage the dangerous habit.
“It’s just an amazing start. I’m just overjoyed to hear something is being done about this,” Klapwyk said.
“I wouldn’t object to a 24-hour suspension, a $1,000 fine, more than that.”
The behaviour nearly caused a tragedy in Surrey just three years ago, when a boy was struck by a pickup truck that sped past a stopped school bus. Fortunately, the child wasn’t seriously hurt, but many bus drivers and parents still believe more needs to be done.
Stone said the government has heard those concerns loud and clear.
“It’s not our little kids that the onus is on to be safe, first and foremost,” Stone said. “The onus is first and foremost on motorists to be safe and to be looking out for the little ones in and around school buses.”
