School bus cameras don’t tell full story

Published 1:30 am Friday, September 2, 2022

I think that the county or the City of Marysville needs to look into the use of cameras on school buses. I have just paid an expensive fine for passing a school bus while it was off-loading children. The facts of this situation are as follows. I pulled up behind a Marysville school bus sitting in the road, all if its safety lights were off and the stop sign was not out. After pausing for a moment I decided to pass, since the lights were not on. As I was half way past the bus the sign came out and as I drove by the bus’s camera got a clear picture of my vehicle and license plate.

I was surprised to receive the citation as the bus’ lights were not on when I began to pass. I wrote a letter requesting mediation, but I was obviously guilty on the evidence so I didn’t expect much relief. I did get $100 off the fine, but even with that it was quite a slug.

My point is that since my summons I have spoken to several drivers who has been cited in the same circumstances. I believe that there needs to be a way for all the lights and signs on a school bus to be monitored. The camera that took my photo only showed half the evidence.

David Pearce

Marysville