More than 3,000 citations issued in first month of school bus stop-arm violation program
More than 3,000 citations were issued in the first month of Duval County Public Schools’ school bus stop-arm violation program.
After a month-long public awareness campaign in April, during which drivers received warnings rather than citations, the program officially launched on May 1, and drivers illegally passing a stopped school bus with its stop-arm extended and red lights flashing began receiving citations and a $225 fine.
In total, Duval County School Police reviewed just over 4,000 citations, approving 3,197.
Duval County Chief of School Police Jackson Short previously told Resident News that a human review of AI-generated photos and videos recorded by the cameras is designed to ensure that only citations meeting an internal approval threshold are issued. This internal review resulted in the disapproval of 868 citations in May.
Citation statistics have identified the top 20 locations in Jacksonville for May. With a combined total of 89 citations, the 3700 and 3800 blocks of Blanding Boulevard were the top two locations for which citations were mailed (41 and 48 citations, respectively).
Revenue numbers for these 3,000-plus citations are currently unavailable, according to DCPS. Any funds generated from these citations are split 50-50 between the district and BusPatrol America, the company with which DCPS has partnered for this program. Funds received by DCPS must be allocated to student transportation safety.
According to DCPS, drivers who receive a notice of violation have 60 days from the mailing date of the citation to either pay the civil penalty, file an exemption affidavit, or request a hearing through the Division of Administrative Hearings.
Top Locations for Citations
3800 block of Blanding Blvd; 32210 – 48 citations
3700 block of Blanding Blvd; 32210 – 41 citations
6200 block of Merrill Rd; 32277 – 35 citations
600 block of W. Beaver St; 32202 – 33 citations
8800 block of US-90; 32211 – 31 citations
1100 block of FL -103; 32205 – 30 citations
10300 block of FL- 13; 32257 – 28 citations
3200 block of Sans Parell St; 32224 – 27 citations
6800 block of FL-134; 32210 – 27 citations
1100 block of Lane Ave N; 32254 – 26 citations
2600 block of Lane Ave S; 32210 – 26 citations
3100 block of Hodges Blvd; 32224 – 24 citations
3700 block of FL-212; 32207 – 23 citations
12100 block of Beach Blvd; 32246 – 23 citations
1800 block of Edgewood Ave W – 22 citations
600 block of Stockton St; 32204 – 21 citations
1300 block of Lane Ave S; 32205 – 21 citations
3100 block of St Johns Bluff Rd S; 32246 – 21 citations
2800 block of FL-104; 32218 – 20 citations
3500 block of University Blvd N; 32277 – 19 citations
