PEI

Driver charged for passing stopped school bus near Hunter River

A 17-year-old driver is 'essentially walking' after RCMP say they caught him passing a school bus that was stopped with its red lights flashing.

RCMP say they intend to have a strong presence around school bus stops

RCMP say the school bus was stopped with lights flashing when the driver passed it. (CBC)

A 17-year-old driver is 'essentially walking' after RCMP say they caught him passing a school bus that was stopped with its red lights flashing.

RCMP said in a news release they had every available resource on the road for the first day of school. Police were focusing on high-volume school bus zones with both marked and unmarked cars.

Within seconds, the driver was stopped by marked cars positioned nearby.- RCMP Cpl. Chris Gunn

The ticket was handed out at 8:20 a.m. on Route 2 just outside Hunter River. The driver had a graduated licence.

"The school bus was stopped with its lights flashing with their parents there to watch their children climb aboard," said Cpl. Chris Gunn in a news release.

"Within seconds, the driver was stopped by marked cars positioned nearby. The driver was issued a Summary Offence Ticket for $1000 and 8 demerit points. As a result, this driver is now essentially walking."

RCMP said they plan to be very visible in enforcing rules around school buses this year.