Caledon approves framework for a future school bus stop-arm camera program

By MUHAMMAD HAMZA

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Caledon is expanding traffic enforcement measures to make streets safer for vulnerable users by establishing a red-light camera framework.

Municipal staff have been directed to implement the enforcement model by including the necessary authorization under Ontario Regulation 424/20, which allows the Town to operate the Automated School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Systems program in the future.

Ontario Regulation 424/20 and the amendments to the Highway Traffic Act permit the use of photographic and video evidence to enforce offences involving drivers failing to stop for school buses.

The motion was approved as part of the General Committee's consent agenda on July 7, 2026, and is expected to receive final ratification at the July 28 Council meeting.

Mayor Annette Groves moved the motion, which directed staff to engage with key partners and stakeholders, “including but not limited to school boards, school bus operators, and vendors,” to explore future opportunities to implement the Automated School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Program in the Town of Caledon.

It also requires staff to report back to the next term of the council on the feasibility and any recommendations.

The Town of Caledon previously declared a traffic safety emergency due to persistent roadway safety concerns, where many incidents of illegal passing of stopped school buses have been reported.

These ongoing concerns posed a serious risk to the safety of vulnerable residents, such as children travelling to and from school, prompting the Town to develop a stronger enforcement framework.

According to the Ontario School Bus Association, more than 833,000 students are transported by school buses every day in Ontario. The aAsociation says school buses are the safest form of student transportation and that motorists are required to stop whenever a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.

Since 2020, Ontario has allowed two methods of enforcing school bus stopping laws: police officers can charge drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses, and school bus drivers can report licence plate information to police, who may issue a charge to the vehicle owner.