PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield and Pittsfield Public Schools have launched a new bus stop-arm camera pilot program.

 

Bus #128 will be equipped with a new stop-arm camera that will capture photos and videos of any vehicles that fail to stop for buses that are stopped with flashing red lights activated. 

 

This bus provides services in the following high-traffic areas: South Street, Cloverdale Street, South Mountain Road, East Street, Springside Avenue, Benedict Road, and West Housatonic Street.

 

In Massachusetts, drivers in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign, remaining stopped until the signals turn off, unless on a divided highway with a physical median.

 

"I ask for the public's cooperation with all safety measures when driving through the city to protect all students who are traveling back and forth from school," said Mayor Peter Marchetti.

 

On Jan. 10, 2025, a bill was signed into law by Governor Healey that allows cities and towns to use cameras on school buses to record motor vehicles that fail to stop for school buses that are stopped with flashing red lights activated.

 

"This safety enhancement is part of our continued efforts to help protect students during loading and unloading times and to promote greater awareness and compliance with school bus traffic laws," said Director of Bus Operations, Colleen O'Brien.

 

This new camera will capture videos and images of the license plates of vehicles as they pass through a stopped school bus in violation of the law. These videos and images would then be reviewed by the Pittsfield Police Department to determine if the violation occurred. If a violation did occur, a citation will be issued to the registered owner or company of the vehicle. The first offense is $250, and the second offense is $500.

 

As this is a pilot program, the Pittsfield Police Department will start with a 30-day period in which warnings will be issued to drivers with first time offenses. Once the warning period expires for first time offenses, drivers who violate this law will be receiving fines.

 

"The Pittsfield Police Department is dedicated to keeping every child's journey to and from school safe," said Police Chief Marc Maddalena. "This is an added tool to make that possible."

 

The City of Pittsfield thanks the public for their attention and cooperation with this important safety initiative.