The OPP says it’s taking to the skies to help make sure local children get to school safely.
Starting tomorrow the OPP Aviation Services helicopter will be patrolling the Bracebridge area to help frontline officers crack down on those who don’t stop for school buses. The initiative includes the Orillia area as well.
Although the helicopter will be focused on those who pass a school bus that has its lights and stop-arm activated, it’ll also be on the lookout for speeders and aggressive drivers.
The helicopter is equipped with a high tech camera that can view vehicles and their licence plates from a long distance, recording it for court purposes. When it comes to passing a stopped school bus police only need to identify the vehicle, and not the driver, to lay charges.
If you’re convicted of passing a stopped school bus, the first offence brings a fine of up to $2,000 and demerit points. That fine doubles on a second conviction, also with demerit points and possibly jail time.