Industry News from Yes Insurance

A council in the UK is targeting drivers who do not stop at school crossings.

Peterborough City Council's School Crossing Patrol Service will be out in force on September 29th, launching the Stop Means Stop campaign.

The aim of the scheme is to alert drivers to the fact that they are required by law to stop at patrol crossings when instructed to and failure to do so could result in prosecution.

Motorists who fail to stop at school crossings could find themselves paying higher car insurance premiums if they are caught.

They are liable for a fine of up to £1,000, may have points added to their license, or could even find themselves banned from driving.

The council and police in the area are becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of children using crossings and the safety of school crossing patrol officers.

"The job of crossing children safely over busy roads at peak times already has its risks and inconsiderate drivers or those who are not fully aware of the law compound those existing dangers," said Julia Potkins, school crossing patrol officer for the city council.

"I would ask that drivers travelling through areas where there are schools and where patrol officers are operating please allow more time for your journey, to slow down and be ready to stop when requested to do so."

The most common complaints about drivers at school crossings are; people failing to stop, driving around patrollers while children cross, abusive language and making threats of physical violence.

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