In co-operation with the Oliver RCMP and Okanagan-Similkameen School District 53, members of the RCMP South Okanagan Traffic Services Unit have begun a new approach to local school bus enforcement.
On May 22, a uniformed officer boarded the bus and rode with students in areas of Oliver and Okanagan Falls. The officer was on the lookout for violators of section 149 of the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act (fail to stop for school bus) and any other traffic safety concerns within the vicinity of the bus. An unmarked police vehicle was in the area and responded to radio calls from the officer aboard the bus. The students were eager to assist, giving Const. David Fahlman 30 extra sets of eyes to enhance his enforcement abilities.
The RCMP said they plan to continue with random ride-alongs and taking appropriate enforcement actions to keep our children safe.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind our local drivers of the related law and also ask the public to report violators (licence plate, description of vehicle, offence details) to your local RCMP immediately,” said Cpl. Ryan McLeod in a news release.
Failure to stop for a school bus can result in a $368 fine and three demerit points. Drivers must stop the vehicle when a sign or signal is displayed indicating the school bus is receiving or discharging school children and not proceed until the bus resumes motion, or the driver of the bus signals to other drivers that it is safe to proceed.