New measures introduced in the far east province of Prince Edward Island have prompted an important reminder from Okotoks Municipal Enforcement regarding passing school busses with flashing red lights.

In a written statement, Kelly Stienwand, Municipal Enforcement Manager for the Town of Okotoks, said "The safety of children in our community is top priority, and officers contribute much of their time to the education and enforcement around school busses and school zones."

Okotoks Municipal Enforcement has also dedicated time to educating bus drivers on how to effectively document and observe offences that occur while the are on route, which are followed up with investigation by officers after being reported by the driver.

Stienwand says he is "Confident that the province will continue to review the impact of prevention focused programs, and make adjustments based on the best interest of public safety."

Related infractions are currently regulated by Alberta Transportation, with six demerit points and fines of $543 for motorists who pass school busses with flashing red lights.

The new measures in place for P.E.I., which take effect December 8th, will see a motorist receive an immediate three month licence suspension, a $5000 fine, and 12 demerit points for the offence.

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