As we wrap up September, Hamilton Police continue to concentrate on school bus safety through enforcement. This month four drivers on the mountain were charged with failing to stop for a school bus.

On Monday, September 16, 2019, shortly before 8:00 a.m., Hamilton Police proactively set up on Highway 6 near Binkley Court, to observe infractions related to drivers and loading buses. A short time later, a school bus stopped southbound on Highway 6 to pick up a student. With the lights flashing and the front arm extended with the stop sign, a Chevrolet Uplander minivan travelling northbound continued past the bus without stopping. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver, a 48-year old male from Hamilton provided the appropriate documents.

On Wednesday, September 25, 2019, shortly after 8:30 a.m., Hamilton Police proactively set up at Rymal Road West and Konstantine Court, to observe infractions related to drivers and loading buses. A short time later, a school bus stopped westbound on Rymal to pick up a student. With the lights flashing and the front arm extended with the stop sign, a Mercedes Benz sedan slowly passed the bus without stopping as a student was embarking. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver, a 64-year-old female from Hamilton provided the appropriate documents.

On Thursday, September 26, 2019, shortly after 8:30 a.m., Hamilton Police proactively set up at Rymal Road West and Westlawn Drive, to observe infractions related to drivers and loading buses. A short time later, a school bus stopped on Rymal Road to pick up a student. With the lights flashing and the front arm extended with the stop sign, a Honda Odyssey minivan and a Ford Flex SUV failed to stop as they drove past the bus. Police were able to safely stop both vehicles. The drivers, a 77-year-old male from Hamilton and a 42-year-old female from Hamilton provided the appropriate documents.

All the drivers involved were issued provincial offence tickets for failing to stop for a school bus under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. In accordance with the law, the drivers have fifteen days to respond to the court with their intentions to deal with the matter.

If found guilty of the offence, penalties can include up to a $2000 fine and six demerit points.

Hamilton Police would like to remind drivers of their responsibility to stop for school buses when they have stopped and activated their emergency equipment.

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact police calling 905-546-3886.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com