News

Children and School Crossing Patrol Staff are being put at risk of death or injury by drivers who fail to stop when the Stop sign is displayed.

Drivers are legally obliged to obey the School Crossing Patrol Sign under the Road Traffic Act 1988. As soon as a patrol raises their sign, even if they have not stepped into the road, the law states that drivers must be prepared to stop.

Once the School Crossing Patrol is in the road displaying the sign, drivers MUST stop, and not proceed until the School Crossing Patrol and any accompanying children have finished crossing the road.

Anyone reported for not stopping is likely to be prosecuted, and could face a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on their driving licence. They may also have the injury or death of a child or School Crossing Patrol on their conscience.

School Crossing Patrol staff do a marvellous job in all weather conditions and sometimes the verbal abuse and intimidation they suffer, simply for doing their job, is difficult to understand. Any such incident will be reported to the Police.

Thankfully, the majority of drivers are courteous and stop when requested to, but it is vital that each and every driver complies with the law to ensure we keep our children, and our excellent and dedicated School Crossing Patrols, safe across Wales.