Drivers urged to respect the 'lollipop'

Drivers are being warned to respect school crossing patrols or face the consequences.

The call comes from the County Council's Road Safety Team after a motorist was prosecuted for failing to stop for a school 'lollipop lady'.

The man, who drove past the school crossing attendant as she helped a group of children cross the road, recently pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.

Holyhead Magistrates gave him three penalty points on his licence, a £65 fine and also ordered him to pay £65 costs.

Anglesey's Road Safety Officer, William Hughes, stressed, "Motorists are committing a criminal offence if they fail to stop when a school crossing attendant is in the highway displaying a STOP sign."

"This particular incident left the attendant shaken and upset and we welcome the prosecution by North Wales Police. Unfortunately, this sort of incident is more common than you'd think with some motorists becoming irate and abusive if they have to stop for the crossing patrol."

The Isle of Anglesey County Council employs 19 school crossing attendants who all carry out a very important role in safeguarding our children's safety. School crossing attendants, with their instantly recognisable 'lollipop' STOP signs, help children cross many of the Island's busiest roads on their way to and from school.

Highways portfolio holder, Councillor Eurfryn Davies, urged drivers to show consideration and respect at all times, especially when approaching a school.

He added, "Incidents like these are a real concern. A driver's failure to stop when an attendant is in the middle of the road could lead to a serious road traffic accident involving young children. I hope this successful prosecution sends a clear message to all drivers that this sort of behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated on Anglesey."