Stop means Stop reminder to motorists

MOTORISTS in Carmarthenshire are being reminded to stop when signalled by our school crossing patrol officers.

With the start of the new school term in September, the council’s road safety team is launching its annual ‘Stop means Stop’ campaign.

When a school crossing patrol displays their stop sign, motorists must stop. If they don’t, they are breaking the law and will be reported. They face a £1,000 fine and a minimum of three penalty points on their licence.

School crossing patrol officers are employed primarily to help children cross the road safely on their way to and from school.

They are allowed to stop traffic for anyone wishing to cross the road so long as they are operating at their approved site and within their authorised hours of duty.

Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans said: “School crossing patrol officers have a very important role to play at school sites with high levels of traffic.

“The message is simple. All road users must stop when a school crossing patrol officer asks them to do so.
“Drivers should allow a little extra journey time if their route takes them through a patrolled area – and be prepared to slow down and stop when requested to do so.”

Stop means Stop

Wherever you know a school crossing patrol operates, please give them every consideration and assistance by:

• Parking well away from them (they need to see and be seen by approaching traffic).
• Always reducing your speed and being prepared to stop
• Obeying their instructions when signalled to stop
• Giving them time to cross the children safely and return back to the pavement.

Sign upside down – not ready to cross children

Sign sideways – barrier to stop children crossing

Sign held up high – ready to cross children. Vehicles must be prepared to stop

Sign extended out – all vehicles must stop