Road Safety Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council are reminding drivers of their responsibilities when encountering school crossing patrols with the new term here.

School crossing patrol officers are dedicated and much-appreciated members of the school and wider community who turn out, despite the weather, to keep people safe when crossing the road.

Road Safety Wales is highlighting that the majority of motorists are law-abiding, courteous and will stop as instructed. But it is vital that drivers and riders comply with the law to improve road safety around schools.

It is essential that motorists understand that they are legally obliged to obey the signals given by a school crossing patrol and as soon as they raise their sign, even if they have not stepped into the road, motorists must be prepared to stop.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services said: “The Road Safety Wales campaign is not only highlighting the requirement for drivers to comply with school crossing patrol signs but also the unfortunate fact that many crossing officers face verbal abuse, intimidation and danger from moving vehicles just for doing their job.

“As children return to school we must all be mindful of our excellent school crossing staff and the work they do to keep young people safe.”

Drivers could receive a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on their licence if they fail to stop a safe distance from the School Crossing Patrol or start to move off while the Stop sign is being displayed.

Teresa Ciano, Chair of Road Safety Wales, said: “There is no excuse for failing to comply with the school crossing patrol’s instructions. Whether you are running late or didn’t realise you MUST stop, you have a responsibility, legally and morally, to avoid putting other road users at risk.

“Every child and their guardian in Wales should be safe when crossing the road to school.”

Those who witness a traffic offence are encouraged to report it to the Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Video or photographic footage can also be submitted to GoSafe through Operation SNAP.