Melo, who has worked as a crossing guard in Vernon for eight years, is stationed at the intersections of Union Street and Maple Street, as well as Grove Street and King Street. He said drivers frequently speed through the intersections while he is on duty, especially during the morning commute.
"I just see people speeding and not paying attention," Melo said.
Melo said mornings are dangerous because drivers are often distracted and have reduced visibility due to glare from the sunlight.
He said the town's recent vote to approve school bus enforcement cameras is a positive step that could help deter speeding and encourage drivers to pay closer attention.
Town Council officials voted Tuesday night to approve the ordinance of enforcement cameras on buses serving Vernon Public Schools, a move aimed at improving school bus safety. Vehicles that illegally pass stopped buses will be captured on camera.
The cameras would enforce the state law requiring motorists to stop when a school bus activates its red lights and extends the stop sign on the driver's side, according to the ordinance.
Violations would result in a $250 fine. Funds collected by the Town of Vernon would be used to improve public safety, compensate any private vendor that installs, operates or maintains the camera system, or both, according to the ordinance.
Other cities and towns in Connecticut, including New Haven, have already installed cameras on their buses.
Vernon Superintendent Joseph Macary said policies that improve student safety should be a priority, both in and out of school. He said the implementation of bus cameras would help prevent accidents.
Mayor Daniel Champagne addressed privacy concerns during the meeting, saying that the identities of individuals who are not being cited would not be disclosed. For those who are cited, he said the process is governed by state statute.
He also said that repeat offenders will be handled by the local police department.
"There's going to be another time the contract has to come before us," Champagne said.
He said that meeting would provide an opportunity to answer specific questions about privacy protections and how photos are stored by the police department.
Champagne said the company providing the cameras will be held accountable for protecting people's rights, including those of pedestrians.
© 2026 The News-Times (Danbury, Conn.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
