Essex takes tough stance over SCP ‘failure to stops’

Essex County Council and Essex Police are not tolerating motorists who fail to stop for school crossing patrols – as a recent prosecution at Epping Magistrates Court confirms.

On 15 January, Tina Bingham, who is SCP for Katherine Semar School in Saffron Walden, was crossing children when a silver grey Volkswagen driven by a male motorist failed to stop.

Although no one was injured, police community support officer Chris Barrett, who witnessed the incident, reported the vehicle registration number via her radio and police traced the driver.

Epping magistrates found the driver - Stephen Talbot of Bridge Road, Grays - guilty of failing to stop for a SCP. He was fined £150 with £150 costs and his licence was endorsed with three points - and as a result he was disqualified for six months.

"I am always astonished to hear of such inconsiderate and aggressive drivers who put the lives of children and crossing wardens at risk," said Rosemary Welch, Essex County Council’s traffic and safety manager.

"It is reassuring that the Court has taken a strong view in this instance - lets hope the press pick up the case and really shame these drivers."