Cameras installed on Abu Dhabi school buses to catch drivers who ignore stop signs

Offenders risk fines of Dh1,000 and 10 black points

Hundreds of thousands of pupils are taken to and from school each day using American-style yellow buses. Though not mandatory, many parents choose the service over a hectic morning run in their own car. Satish Kumar / The National

Fees of several thousand dirhams per year are common, with schools typically outsourcing the service to a provider. Jaime Puebla / The National

Large schools such as Indian High School, pictured, have a fleet of their own vehicles, drivers and attendants that ferry pupils around the city in a complex operation. Ruel Pableo / The National

Before the summer break, several schools said they will have to increase prices in line with fuel prices, while others said they would take the hit instead of passing it on to parents. Satish Kumar / The National

One school said it wanted to invest in biofuel vehicles for environmental reasons and to safeguard against future hikes in petrol and diesel. Pawan Singh / The National

Abu Dhabi school buses have been equipped with on-board cameras to catch motorists who ignore stop signs when children are being dropped off or picked up.

Drivers who ignore stop signs on school buses risk a fine of Dh1,000 and 10 black points being automatically registered against their driving licence.

The measures have been introduced by Abu Dhabi Police, in association with the Integrated Transport Centre and Emirates Transportation Corporation, to ensure the safety of pupils.

Police posted a video on social media platforms warning that motorists must stop at least five metres from buses, in both directions, when the driver displays the stop sign on the side on the vehicle.

“Ignoring the stop signal on school buses is dangerous,” said Brig Muhammad Ali Al Muhairi, director of the Security Media Department in the Driving Affairs Sector.

“Drivers should respect the laws around school buses. Such bad behaviour from motorists will not be tolerated and they must come to a complete stop when they see the stop sign on school buses.”

Bus drivers who fail to display the stop sign face fines of Dh500 and six black points.

A recent survey conducted by Abu Dhabi Police revealed almost one in five drivers (17 per cent) failed to heed the stop sign on school buses, which posed a significant risk to the safety of children.