Violators illegally passing school buses prompt police crackdown in Montgomery County

CHELTENHAM TWP., Pa. - A police department in Montgomery County is cracking down on illegal passing around school buses. 

Cheltenham Township police say they're fed up with close calls like these, even after putting in place a new high-tech system meant to bust those bad drivers and keep kids safe.

"Our message is very simple. When you see a school bus with red lights activated, stop. Children's lives are at stake. It's not difficult," said Lt. Andy Snyder of Cheltenham Township Police Department. 

Cheltenham Township police are sounding the alarm about the thousands of drivers failing to stop for school buses or illegally passing them, even after the school district started using the BusPatrol safety program about 14 months ago. 

Violators are captured on video again and again breaking the law.

"Since October of 2023, we've issued over 5,400 citations," said Lt. Snyder. "We're frustrated. We're frustrated so many drivers either aren't aware of or are intentionally disregarding their duties when approaching a school bus."

Cheltenham Township Police Lieutenant Andy Snyder says close calls like this have to stop. 

"This is a flagrant passing where a child was almost struck. You see a child passing in front of a car. If it hadn't been for the bus driver extending the arm to stop the car, it could have been tragic."

The Cheltenham School District started using the BusPatrol automated cameras last October in an effort to keep students safe. 

Every bus is equipped with four to five cameras, along with a license plate reader. Violators face a $300 fine, but even that doesn't seem to be a deterrent.

"So you see the kid crossing the street, and a vehicle decides to pass right as another kid is about to cross. These are pretty high-speed passes too. These aren't cars proceeding carefully," Lt. Snyder said. "Obviously, as a parent and a police officer, it's very troubling."

Dr. Brian Scriven, Cheltenham School District Superintendent, added, "This is about to ramp up before we have a tragedy. That is why we are here right now because we want to be as proactive as we possibly can."

Besides getting the word out to the public, Cheltenham police say they are talking to local legislators about potentially enhancing the penalties, maybe increasing the fine for repeat offenders, or other means of recourse.