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OPP using helicopter to nab drivers who don't heed buses

Police only need to identify a vehicle, not a driver, illegally passing a school bus
OPP Helicopter 2017
File photo

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Aviation Services is assisting front line officers in the Orillia and Bracebridge areas with enforcement in relation to motorists not stopping for school busses.

The enforcement initiative will start on Jan. 22, 2019. The OPP Helicopter will be in the air focusing on motorists who pass school busses with their lights activated; however, can also enforce speed and a variety of other aggressive driving offences. 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.

The fine for a first offence is up to $2,000 and demerit points and a second offence comes with a fine of up to $4,000, demerit points and the possibility of jail time. Police only need to identify the vehicle, not the driver, when enforcing the infraction of a vehicle passing a stopped school bus with lights activated.

The OPP would like motorists to be safe at all times. Please be extra cautious when behind a school bus, our children's lives depend on your safe and responsible decisions.

Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.

Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or visit Crime Stoppers online or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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