Elk Valley Regional RCMP is reporting the Elk Valley is experiencing an increasingly dangerous situation with vehicles passing stopped school buses unloading students in communities.

Since the start of the school year, School District No. 5 in the Elk Valley has reported over 10 events to the Elk Valley RCMP regarding these types of incidents.

In the majority of cases, the clear and detailed video allowed police to issue fines to the registered owners of said vehicles passing school buses who are unloading students while parked with red lights flashing and stop signs extended, reported S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Elk Valley RCMP Detachment commander.

“In some cases, the driver has indicated upon being served their violation ticket that they were unaware that they are required to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing. One driver in the Elk Valley area was charged twice for this offence on back-to-back days,” he said.

As a reminder, all vehicle drivers are required by law to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing and stop signs extended while travelling in ANY lane of travel on B.C. Highways.

The fine under the Motor Vehicle Act of BC is $368 and three points towards your driver’s licence. The cost, however, could be much higher – with loss of life a distinct possibility.

Elk Valley Regional RCMP reminds the public that the school district buses have excellent video recording devices and a fine will be issued in all cases related to this offence against the registered owner of the vehicle when a vehicle plate is recognizable, S/Sgt. Nielsen said.

e-KNOW file photo

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