A CAMPAIGN to remind drivers to look out for school-crossing patrols has been launched by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Throughout October, the Authority’s Road Safety Team will be reminding motorists that ‘Stop Means Stop’ whenever a school crossing patrol prepares to help people cross the road.

Drivers that fail to do so can be fined up to £1,000, receive three penalty points or face disqualification from driving.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers are legally obliged to obey the school crossing patrol sign.

The law states that as soon as a patrol raises their sign, even if they have not stepped into the road, drivers must be prepared to stop.

Once the patrol is in the road displaying the sign, drivers must stop, and not proceed until the school crossing patrol and any accompanying children and/or adults have cleared the road.

“It beggars belief that any driver would ignore a school crossing patrol sign and risk injuring or killing a child,” said Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Planning and Infrastructure, Councillor Phil Baker.

“It’s an iconic sign that has been in use for over 50 years and we all know what it means.

“A child struck at 20mph will most likely survive but at 40mph they will almost certainly die so why risk that through not stopping?”

Four years ago, a school crossing patrol officer was seriously injured after being struck by a car in Fishguard and council officers have been monitoring near misses and have logged numerous incidents of vehicles failing to stop for the patrols.

A number of these incidents have been reported to the police.

Councillor Baker added: “We will not hesitate to report dangerous driving to the police. The safety of Pembrokeshire’s pedestrians is our concern.”