MOTORISTS in Tameside are being reminded that ignoring a school crossing patrol’s stop sign could land them with a £1,000 fine and three penalty points.
The warning comes as road safety teams and police joined forces for a day of action focused on keeping children safe around schools.
The ‘Stop means STOP’ campaign took place across the North West last Thursday (September 17), with Tameside Council among the local authority partners who took part.
Road safety teams were out speaking to parents, carers and motorists about issues including speeding, parking and considerate driving around schools.
Particular attention was paid to school crossing patrol officers – or the familiar “lollipop men and women” – who help children and their families safely cross busy roads.
Drivers are legally required to stop when a crossing patrol displays their stop sign. Failing to do so is an offence which can result in a £1,000 fine, three penalty points and disqualification from driving.
Rosehill Primary School in Ashton-under-Lyne supported the initiative by helping to spread the message among parents, carers and its wider school community.
Councillor Stephen Homer, Tameside Council executive member responsible for road safety, described crossing patrol officers as “true community heroes”.
He said: “School crossing patrollers are true community heroes and play an important role in helping to keep children safe as they walk to and from school. Drivers have a key part to play also and I urge them to stop to give way to the crossing patrols while also keeping within speed limits and parking responsibly, not least when in the vicinity of schools.
“I also urge parents and carers to respect parking restrictions, including zig-zag lines, which are there to help keep children safe.”
The campaign also aimed to tackle irresponsible parking outside schools, including vehicles stopping on zig-zag markings, as well as speeding and other behaviour which can put children and other vulnerable road users at risk.
The day formed part of a wider North West road safety campaign aimed at encouraging drivers to take greater care around schools and give crossing patrol officers the space and respect they need to do their jobs safely.