New Haven school bus camera enforcement issues 12,000 citations

In New Haven, the use of automatic-enforcement cameras on 344 school buses has resulted in 12,684 citations issued to date. Data indicates that violations increased by 4,000 during the summer months, even while regular school sessions were not in progress.

Of the total citations, 5,630 have been paid in full, while 1,308 are currently awaiting appeal hearings. The city is expected to begin these hearings in September to address a backlog of appeals dating back to March.

The enforcement system involves a partnership between the City of New Haven, contractor First Student, and camera operator BusPatrol. The city pays $225 per bus monthly to BusPatrol, while the operator receives $55 per paid citation. Each citation carries a fine of $250, and revenue from these penalties is designated to fund public safety within the city.