Road safety officers at Bath & North East Somerset Council are reminding motorists they face big fines if they fail to obey a school crossing patrol.

 

“Many drivers dread being stopped by a school crossing patrol”, said Beryl Miles, the council’s Schools Crossing Patrol Co-ordinator. “They fear they’ll be caught up in lengthy delays and often accelerate past.

 

“We would remind drivers that they are breaking the law when they fail to stop for a crossing patrol. If they don’t they can face a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on their driving licence.

 

“The School Keep Clear zone is an area where children can see, and be seen, while they cross the road. Any driver parking or stopping to drop off passengers will obstruct the view of other road users, and put pedestrians and other vehicles at risk. Drivers also face a £60 fine if they stop or park on a School Keep Clear sign.”

 

To reinforce the safety message, the council has launched a new scheme to remind children, pedestrians and drivers alike about their responsibilities at school crossing points.

 

School crossing patrols are handing out special bookmarks to all new pavement and road users, carrying the ‘be aware’ message.

 

The council has also joined with other local authorities to run road safety advertisements on local radio, pointing out that following a change in legislation in 2002, school crossing patrols can also help any pedestrian cross the road, not just children.

 

This comes on top of a concerted action by Avon & Somerset Constabulary and the council’s parking services team to remind parents and carers to obey the rules of the road when it comes to dropping off and picking up their children.

 

Cllr Charles Gerrish, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Planning, Transport and Highways, said: ”Bath & North East Somerset Council aims to ensure the School Keep Clear legislation is respected by the public. I want to remind drivers and parents that road markings outside school are there for the safety of all.

 

”We all have a duty to drive and park safely by our schools.”

 

Meanwhile the council is looking for people interested in becoming school crossing patrollers.

 

Cllr Gerrish said: “We welcome people of all ages to fill in where we have a patrol vacancy at a particular school, or even to become a mobile relief patrol, ready to step in if a regular patrol person falls ill."

 

Anyone interested in being considered as a patroller should contact the council’s traffic and safety department on 01225 477165.

 

 

 

You are invited to send a reporter and photographer to picture school crossing patroller Alesha Robinson handing out the new bookmarks at St Andrew’s Primary, Julian Road in Bath between 3.10pm -3.40pm on Friday September 14.

 

For further comment, please contact; Councillor Charles Gerrish, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Planning, Transport and Highways, on 07980 998806 or email charles_gerrish@bathnes.gov.uk

For More Information Contact:

Beryl Miles, School Crossing Patrol Co-ordinator, on 01225 477165 or email beryl _miles@bathnes.gov.uk