WHEREAS the citizens of British Columbia take the responsibility of protecting their children very seriously; AND WHEREAS under provincial law, it is prohibited to pass a school bus that is displaying red alternating lights and drivers in both directions must stop and wait for the bus driver to load or off-load children and for the bus driver to disengage the signal lights before proceeding; AND WHEREAS there are increased reports of drivers failing to stop for school buses; AND WHEREAS the fine for Failing to Stop for a School Bus in British Columbia is 167 with no graduated penalties for additional offences: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province of BC to review the fine amounts for failing to stop for a school bus and to implement a progressive system of fines and stiffer penalties for infractions.
Ministry of Public Safety Solicitor General Under the Offence Act, the current fine for failing to stop for a stopped school bus is 167. Under the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, this offence is assigned 3 penalty points. The Province of British Columbia is committed to having the safest roads in North America by 2020, and the safety of children is of upmost importance. The above fine amount, as well as ways to increase compliance of this provision by drivers will be explored to determine ways to better protect children near school buses.