Suffolk school bus camera program to launch Monday; passing drivers could face fines

A new program that launches Monday in Suffolk is aiming to crack down on drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.
Officials say the program uses artificial intelligence and is the largest program of this kind in the country.
Jean Soulier is the CEO of Virginia-based Bus Patrol America, the company that runs the program. He says every school district in Suffolk opted into the program.
"We're on thousands and thousands of buses. Suffolk County ... it's going to be on 4,500 buses, making it probably three times bigger than any other program in the country."
Nassau County officials have selected a vendor for its school bus camera program but have not yet signed a contract.
Suffolk officials say there will be a 60-day grace period where those in violation will be given a warning ticket instead of a fine. On May 1, fines start at $250 and increase to $275 for a second offense and $300 for a third.