A Llanelli woman who failed to stop when a lollipop lady was helping a school pupil to cross the road has received penalties totaling £335. She was also given five penalty points on her driving licence.
Karen Williams, of Swiss Valley, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to Ammanford Magistrates on March 4th 2010 for driving without due care and attention when passing a school crossing in Llandeilo Road, Llanybie.
The 32-year-old was travelling along the road near Llandybie CP School when she committed the offence.
Lollipop lady Nan Samsudeen had clearly displayed her stop sign and was helping pupils to cross the road.
But Williams failed to acknowledge the sign and continued to drive along the road putting the crossing patrol officer and children at risk.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Road Safety Team supported Dyfed Powys Police in prosecuting Williams for contravening crossing patrol regulations.
Magistrates also fined Williams £235 with additional costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £15, also imposing five penalty points on her driving licence.
Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for Transport and Environment Cllr Haydn Jones said: “Child safety is of paramount importance and as a county we will not tolerate motorists ignoring crossing patrol officers when they are carrying out this vital role within the community.
“Failing to stop at a crossing not only endangers the patrol but puts children and other adults at risk. This case demonstrates that we will not hesitate to take action against any individual who fails to stop when a school crossing patrol officer asks them to do so.”
County road safety manager Keith Griffiths said: “When you see a School Crossing Patrol officer step into the road ahead of you displaying the Stop sign, you must stop to allow people to cross the road (Rule 87 of the Highway Code).
The law is quite specific. It is an offence under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 if you do not stop when signalled to do so by a school crossing officer.
If you do not stop, the possible penalties include:
- A fine of up to £1,000
- A minimum of three points on your driving licence, or even disqualification
Drivers should always stop a safe distance away from the crossing patrol.
After people have crossed the road, drivers must not move off until the patrol officer has returned to the pavement and signaled them to do so.
Drivers should take special care when near schools, even if there is no crossing patrol in operation.
Rule 184 of the Highway Code says:
“Near Schools. Drive slowly and be particularly aware of young cyclists and pedestrians. In some places, there may be a flashing amber signal below the ‘School’ warning sign, which tells you that there may be children crossing the road ahead.
