A group that represents school transportation companies wants tougher penalties for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses in New York state.

The New York School Bus Contractors Association is backing proposals to boost fines and suspend driver licenses for those who ignore the flashing red lights on buses.

Association president Robert Pape said more should be done to help keep children safe as they are being transported to and from school.

Pape pointed to reports that more than a thousand tickets were issued to drivers who illegally passed stopped school buses as part of a one-day enforcement initiative in April.

Pape said the number of tickets written indicates current penalties don't go far enough.

The school transportation group supports a proposal to boost the minimum fine for a first-time offender from $250 to $400. Higher penalties would be imposed for repeat violators.

The association also is supporting a separate measure that would suspend a person's license for 60 days if the driver is convicted of passing a stopped school bus twice in a ten-year period.

The two bills have been approved by the state Senate but there is no indication whether they may be considered by the Assembly before the current session ends later this month.

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