Police target school bus speeders

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Police executed a sting operation on Wednesday aimed at making it safer for kids to ride the bus to school.

During this year’s undercover sting operation, RMV inspectors and local police officers in more than 100 communities across the state -- including 6 here in western Massachusetts -- set up to catch drivers who didn’t stop for buses, picking up or dropping off students.

"Let's [drivers] know enforcement is going to take place if they plan on running the flashing lights while students are being picked up," said East Longmeadow police officer Stewart Strohman.

It's the 5th annual Operation Yellow Blitz -- held to highlight national School Bus Safety Week.

Last year, 69 drivers were nabbed and cited for illegally passing a school bus. Violators face a $250 to $500 dollar fine and a six month license suspension for repeat offenders.

"We had a couple of incidences where cars have not stopped and gone by, so I'm all for it," said East Longmeadow mom of two, Amy Hebert.

The sting operation began during school pick up and will continue in the afternoon for drop off.