A DRIVER has been fined for failing to stop for a lollipop lady outside a school. Driver Vincent Todd, from Letchworth GC, received a £90 fine and was ordered to pay £43 costs after he was prosecuted for failing to stop for a school crossing patrol outsi

A DRIVER has been fined for failing to stop for a lollipop lady outside a school.

Driver Vincent Todd, from Letchworth GC, received a £90 fine and was ordered to pay £43 costs after he was prosecuted for failing to stop for a school crossing patrol outside Norton St Nicholas primary school in Norton Road, Letchworth GC. He also had three points added to his licence.

The school's headteacher Gareth Linwood welcomed the news.

He said: "It is a major problem. We have 240 children that have to cross a busy B road to get to school.

"Most drivers sit and wait but some push their way through. We have also had some occasions where motorist have shouted abuse at our lollipop lady which is terrible as the job they do is so important.

"Drivers are often caught by speed cameras travelling over 40mph when the limit is 30mph."

County councillor Stuart Pile said: "Sadly this is not an isolated case - we have found that many drivers are unaware that it is illegal to ignore school crossing patrol requests to stop.

"Flouting this law not only puts young lives at risk but can also hit drivers hard in the pocket and can lead to them losing their driving licences."

The maximum fine is £1,000.

* If you want a Hertfordshire County Council coaster or car sticker to help spread the council's stop for school crossing patrols message, call 01992 556800.