P.E.I. school bus drivers' union welcomes federal mandate for safety cameras on new buses
'We were very excited to hear and see that this was coming'
The union representing school bus drivers on P.E.I. is welcoming new federal regulations requiring new buses to be equipped with cameras that improve drivers' visibility of their surroundings.
Transport Canada is mandating perimeter visibility systems on new school buses as a safety measure, according to a news release.
The systems use multiple cameras mounted on the exterior of the bus that allow drivers to see if anyone is around the vehicle before it drives off.
Rob Harding, vice-president of CUPE 1145, said that while school buses already have good mirrors, additional safety features are always welcome.
"Any type of incentive that's going to help keep the children safe, give the school bus driver an extra eye, it can't be anything that would be discouraged for sure," Harding said. "We were very excited to hear and see that this was coming."
Transport Canada said Canada becomes the first country in the world to require all new school buses to have this technology.
P.E.I.'s Department of Transportation told CBC News in a statement that it is reviewing the new guidelines, particularly regarding potential privacy implications.
Call for infraction cameras
The new regulations, however, do not make infraction cameras mandatory.
These cameras, which can capture images of vehicles that pass a school bus with its stop arm extended, will be installed only if manufacturers choose to include them, according to the release.
"It'll be a voluntary thing, which is kind of discouraging," Harding said. "We will definitely talk and discuss and see how we can promote that all school buses have the outside cameras for violations of the red lights."
On P.E.I., drivers caught illegally passing a school bus with flashing red lights face 12 demerit points, a three-month license suspension and a fine of up to $5,000.
"We have a lot of red light violations that are not reported due to not having the information. So these infraction cameras would definitely help for that right across the country," Harding said.
About a decade ago, the Public Schools Branch installed cameras on some buses in hopes they could capture licence plate numbers and drivers' identities. But the cameras didn't work particularly well.
Harding said the technology available at the time was outdated, and he hopes to see modern infraction cameras installed on all school buses.
Transport Canada said all new school buses will be equipped with perimeter visibility systems as of Nov. 1, 2027.
Harding hopes it will happen even sooner.
"I'm hoping that... it's not delayed in politics, that it's something that's implemented as quickly as possible with the proper infrastructure in place, and not just, you know, piecemeal."
With files from Jackie Sharkey