Drivers face £1,000 fine and penalty points for ignoring crossing rules for vulnerable users

Branded "Stop means STOP", the campaign makes clear there are no excuses for ignoring a patrol officer holding up a stop sign outside schools.

Council chiefs explained that while most drivers behave responsibly, a small minority are still putting vulnerable pedestrian lives at risk.

Launching the initiative, councillors joined forces with Lancashire Police outside schools in Preston, Burnley and Lancaster on Monday, February 23.

The councillors spoke directly to parents, guardians, and passing motorists about their legal responsibilities and the potential consequences of ignoring patrols.

Councillor Warren Goldsworthy did not mince his words. He said: "The vast majority of drivers are law-abiding, courteous and stop as instructed. However, there is a small minority of drivers who do not respect School Crossing Patrols, putting them and vulnerable road users at risk.

"Drivers have a legal duty to obey signals given by Schools Crossing Patrols, and we can't stress enough that 'Stop means STOP' – there are no excuses."

Under the law, failing to stop when directed by a school crossing patrol officer can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points.

But in more serious cases, Councillor Goldsworthy warned the punishment could be even more severe if someone is hurt.

"Failure to stop for a school crossing patrol can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on a driving licence," he said. "There may be further consequences for the driver if anyone is injured."

The message was reinforced near Deepdale Community Primary School in Preston, where councillors and road safety teams met patrol officers to hear their concerns about driver behaviour.

Police Constable Rumandeep Takhar was also on hand, urging motorists to slow down and show greater care around school gates, especially at busy drop-off and pick-up times.

Throughout the day, council staff handed out leaflets carrying the "Stop means STOP" slogan. Large display boards were set up outside schools to drive home the message.

Electronic copies of the warning were also sent to families through primary schools across Lancashire, ensuring parents were reminded of the rules.

Drivers were spoken to about more than just stopping. Officials also stressed the importance of sticking to speed limits and parking safely and legally near schools.

Particular attention was paid to the zig-zag lines painted outside many school entrances. These markings are designed to keep sightlines clear so children can cross the road safely.

Councillor Goldsworthy urged parents to set a good example. He said: "It is vital that parents also respect parking restrictions such as zig-zag lines, which are there to ensure the safety of all children."

He also paid tribute to the patrol officers themselves, calling them "road safety community heroes" who are "much-loved and well respected" in their neighbourhoods.

Some officers, he noted, have helped several generations of the same families cross roads near schools safely over the years.

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