(Bancroft, Ontario) -The Bancroft OPP wish to remind motorists that school buses are back on the roads January 06th 2014 and to use caution when sharing the roadway with them. Not only are buses making frequent stops but there are also children along the road waiting for the bus in the morning or walking away from the bus at the end of the school day.
When approaching a stopped school bus with red lights flashing and the STOP arm out, traffic must stop in both directions, regardless of the posted speed. When approaching a school bus from behind, a vehicle must stop 20 meters behind the bus and when approaching from the opposite direction a vehicle must stop a safe distance. Motorists may proceed only when the lights stop flashing, the STOP arm folds away and the bus begins to move. The driver and the owner of the vehicle can be charged for passing a school bus with signals activated.
Failing to stop for a school bus can result in a fine upon conviction of $400.00 (plus $90.00 surcharge) for the first offence.
Many school aged children walk to school in the Bancroft area and motorists should be aware of the increased pedestrian traffic around local schools. Not only are there reduced speeds in school zones, some roads surrounding schools are also posted Community Safety Zones and fines are doubled in these areas.