“No excuse” for failing to comply with SCPs

 

Ahead of the new school year, Road Safety Wales is reminding drivers of their responsibilities when encountering School Crossing Patrols (SCPs).

By law, as soon as a SCP officer raises their sign, even if they have not stepped into the road, motorists must be prepared to stop.

Once the SCP is in the carriageway and displaying the sign in the upright position, traffic must stop and not proceed until pedestrians have finished crossing the road and the SCP has returned to the pavement.

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

Road Safety Wales also warns that SCPs throughout the country have been facing verbal abuse, intimidation and danger from moving vehicles simply for doing their job – adding that these incidents not only impact the officer, but put every other road user at unnecessary risk.

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.”

Wayne Tucker, Road Safety Officer, South Wales Police, said: “If a driver fails to stop their vehicle at a safe distance from the School Crossing Patrol, or if they start to move off while the STOP sign is being displayed, they could receive a fine of up to £1,000 and 3 penalty points on their driving licence.

“The rules and guidance within The Highway Code exist to protect all road users, and in this case especially children and their carers. Compliance is essential in preventing road casualties.”