SOLIHULL Council is warning residents of the penalties for those who do not stop for school crossing patrols.
Anyone who is caught failing to stop for the patrols can receive a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on their licence.
There are 45 patrols across the borough and there has been an increased number of reports of incidents of drivers not stopping.
Drivers are reminded that a ‘Stop’ sign is not a suggestion, it is a legal requirement and failure to comply could result in prosecution.
As well as reports of motorists not stopping when a crossing patrol has displayed their sign, there has been an increased number of incidents where motorists have refused to stop when there are pedestrians crossing the road. This behaviour puts vulnerable road users at risk and in particular young children who are crossing the road to get to school.
If residents do see a motorist failing to stop for a crossing patrol, they are encouraged to record the vehicle’s registration plate and to report it immediately to the crossing patrol. The information is then passed on to the police who will investigate the report.
Coun Ted Richards, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said: “It is a motorist’s responsibility to ensure that their actions do not put others in the borough at risk.
“Our school crossing patrols are of great value to the community and it is irresponsible for drivers to ignore the legal requirement to stop.
“By ignoring the crossing patrols drivers are breaking the law and targeting some of the most vulnerable residents of the borough.”
The Council is working with schools and the police to educate people about the need to respect crossing patrols and the importance of road safety.
To find out more about road safety go to http://www.solihull.gov.uk/Resident/Parking-travel-roads/road-safety/school-crossing-patrols.
