There are a couple of new additions coming to the Hanover School Divison.

Director of Transportation Robert Warkentin says they have received approval from the Board of Trustees to proceed with the purchase and installation of interior cameras to watch what's happening amongst the children, and exterior red light cameras to catch those who choose to run the stop sign and flashing red lights.

"Couple of things for the driver," notes Warkentin. "If there are some discipline issues or things like that, this is a help for them and the school principals. If something happens on a bus, we can look at the tape and see what really happened. Ultimately, our driver's focus is on the road and making sure they get to and from their destinations safely, so you don't always get to see what's going on behind you."

Warkentin notes, with the red light cameras, they will soon have information to hand over the RCMP and hopefully prosecute those who choose to ignore the law.

"Whenever the amber lights come on, on either the rear or the front of the bus, the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload students," explains Warkentin. "As soon as the door is open the red lights come on and the stop sign comes out. At that point students will either be boarding or getting off the bus, there could be kids crossing the street to get to their driveway. We want to be as safe as possible around those children so everyone gets home safe and sound."

He says the camera surveillance initiative will be phased in over the next three years at a cost of approximately $60,000 per year. Warkentin hopes to start installing cameras in May and complete 20 to 25 buses by the end of the current school year.

The Hanover School Division also approved the purchase of seven new school buses, as a part of their bus replacement program, however, these buses have one big difference.

Warkentin says, in the past, all the school buses were diesel. The school division purchased two gasoline-powered wheelchair accessible buses last year, and this year purchased seven standard (not wheelchair accessible) gasoline-powered buses.

"For those who are in the trucking industry and familiar with the diesel emission controls, some of those have been a bit difficult with the school buses. So, there's that side of it, that the gasoline meet the emission standards. The other side is that some of the daily service stuff is cheaper."

He adds the gasoline powered buses also seem to have an easier time starting on the frigid -30ºC days. The HSD bus fleet will still sit at 86 buses. Warkentin hopes to have the new buses ready for the start of the coming school year.