Council takes action against driver who failed to stop at school crossing
Buckinghamshire Council is sending a strong message to motorists who break the law when driving outside schools after enabling the successful prosecution of two separate drivers for different offences.
The first case related to a dangerous driver who failed to stop for a School Crossing Patroller at a school crossing outside a primary school in High Wycombe. On 16 September 2025 the driver failed to stop at the school crossing on Kingsmead Road in High Wycombe, outside Loudwater Combined School. The vehicle only came to a stop when it was parallel with the School Crossing Patroller who was carrying out their normal duty. The incident was witnessed and recorded by parents and the incident was reported to Thames Valley Police.
As a result of the incident, which is an offence under the Road Traffic Act, the driver was summoned to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 8 June 2026. The driver did not appear in court but submitted a guilty plea by post. They were subsequently served with a £60 fine and ordered to pay costs of £130 and a surcharge of £24. They were also issued with three points on their driving licence.
In the second incident, a driver who has been seen repeatedly pulling up on zig zag lines outside Disraeli School in High Wycombe, was served with a Penalty Charge Notice this week, following the matter being brought to the attention of Thames Valley Police by council staff.
Stopping on School Keep Clear road markings is illegal and enforceable if there is a road sign specifying the operating times. Stopping even briefly to drop off or pick up children is not allowed and any breach of this law can result in a Penalty Charge Notice.
Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport said: “To some people it may seem overly harsh to take someone to court for a singular offence of this nature, but the fact of the matter is, failing to stop for a School Crossing Patroller is a serious offence that puts lives in danger. Our action serves as a reminder to anyone who disregards the important role our School Crossing Patrollers play, if we can, we will take action against you.”
Thomas added: “Similarly, road markings outside school are there for a reason, to allow clear sight for both pedestrians and drivers. Choosing to ignore the law in this way puts everyone at risk. Please keep our school children safe and abide by the rules of the road.”
Buckinghamshire Council runs a regular Stop! It’s The Law awareness campaign to remind drivers of their legal duty to stop for School Crossing Patrollers, protecting children and pedestrians crossing the road near schools. The campaign also promotes respect for School Crossing Patrollers who sometimes face unsafe or abusive driver behaviour.