Norwalk — The Common Council on Dec. 9 adopted an ordinance authorizing school-bus stop-arm camera systems that take license-plate images when a bus’s stop arm is extended and automatically issue citations to the registered vehicle owner.

Jim Travers, director of transportation, mobility and parking, described how the technology would work: “When the arm is extended, the camera becomes active … it will take an image of the vehicle,” and the citation “would actually get the violator in the mail,” he said. Travers recommended leasing equipment through a vendor to keep technology current and suggested that leasing costs be incorporated into the fine structure.

Police Chief Walsh told the council the systems would be a “force multiplier” for public safety and said the department had already issued thousands of citations for passing buses during enforcement initiatives. “We gave out 45 tickets for passing school buses in about 10 days,” he said, and added that automated cameras can extend enforcement where officers cannot be present.

Several council members questioned data collection and vendor controls. One council member voting against the measure said the expansion of surveillance systems raises risks around who can access and audit stored data, noting recent federal-level controversies over data misuse. The council discussed procurement choices and whether the city or bus operators would own equipment; Travers said leasing through vendors is likely and that equipment could be transferable if bus providers change.

The ordinance passed at the meeting. The transcript shows at least one member announced a planned no vote and discussion recorded concerns about privacy, vendor oversight and whether images would reliably capture front or rear license plates, but the official vote tally is not specified in the public record excerpt provided.

What happens next: The ordinance authorizes the city to pursue procurement (RFP) and vendor selection and anticipates subsequent budget or leasing actions to secure equipment and services.