A young driver who failed to stop her car for a lollipop lady has been fined.
Now motorists who fail to stop for the lollipop are being warned they face hefty penalties following an incident outside St John's and Somervale schools in Midsomer Norton.
In July, 18-year-old Ruth Newman of Silver Meadow, Trowbridge, went through the school crossing at Redfield Road, failing to stop her Ford Ka for the patrol.
She narrowly missed the lollipop lady, who had to take evasive action, despite hazard warning signs and flashing lights on the approach.
The case came to court last week and she was fined £265, plus a £26 victim surcharge and £35 costs, and given six penalty points on her licence for driving without due care and attention.
Sergeant Geoff Cannon from Radstock Police Station said: "We would remind motorists that it is essential to drive safely at all times. It is particularly important for drivers to obey instructions given by crossing patrols close to schools."
Sgt Cannon said Avon and Somerset Police had been working to improve safety around schools at the times children are dropped off and picked up and that they would be continuing to do so at the start of the new year term.
Councillor Caroline Roberts (Lib Dem, Newbridge), B&NES Council cabinet member for transport, said: "It is really important that drivers observe the school crossing patrol rules. The council's patrols operate to ensure that pupils and parents can cross the road safely. The lollipop must be obeyed and this case sends a clear message to drivers who think that they can get away with failing to stop."
The council also thanked witnesses who came forward - including shocked parents and children - to give statements enabling the authorities to take the case to court.
