**TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE NEWS RELEASE**

The Timmins police Service – Traffic Section is in receipt of 3 complaints today, and 4 in the last 5 days, of drivers failing to stop for a school bus with its STOP arm deployed and flashing red lights in full use. With public safety in mind, the Timmins Police Service is reminding motorists of their legal obligations when approaching or coming upon any school bus with its flashing red lights activated and its STOP arm deployed.

These items are in use to allow children to safety get aboard or disembark from a school bus. All drivers have the legal obligation, to say nothing of the ethical obligation, to be observant and to comply with the pertinent sections of the Highway Traffic Act that apply to these driving situations.

Hefty fines, demerit points and, in some cases driver’s license suspensions serve as potential penalties for those who choose to disregard their driving responsibilities. The safety of the children being transported to and from area schools is a responsibility we all share as motorists.

Any motorist found to be contravening the applicable sections of the Highway Traffic Act regarding having to come to a complete stop while a school bus is either, taking on passengers, or allowing them to disembark, will be charged accordingly. Local children and the Timmins Police Service are counting on all area motorists to adopt the necessary responsible attitude to enhance traffic safety in regards to the children who ride on school buses.

Filed under: Local News