GPD to “tail” school buses

Greenwich Police Department Press Release:

Contact: Sgt. John J. Slusarz Phone: (203) 622-8015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 20, 2010

The Greenwich Police Department Traffic Section will be initiating Operation Adopt-a-Bus, starting January 25, 2010.

Officers from the Traffic Section will follow random school buses on their assigned routes in unmarked cars to enforce the “Vehicles to stop for school Bus” law, C.G.S.14-279.  There have been numerous complaints from parents and other concerned citizens that they have observed vehicle passing busses as they were picking up or discharging students.

The law states that operators “shall immediately bring such vehicle to a stop not less than 10 feet from the rear when overtaking or following and registered school bus on any highway or private road or any parking lot or on any school property when such bus is displaying flashing red signal lights, except at the direction of a traffic officer”.

This includes Rt. 1 when a bus is stopped going in the opposite direction with the lights on and the sign out, you MUST stop.

The fine for the first offense is $460.00. If the violation occurs in a construction, utility or traffic zone the fine is $660.00.

We will also be observing the driving of the bus drivers themselves as the Greenwich Police Dept. is dedicated to the protection of our town’s most precious resource, our children.