'STOP Means Stop' - that is the message being given to drivers as part of a campaign to encourage respect for school crossing patrols.

Hampshire County Council is reminding motorists of the importance of lollipop men and women through a Stop Means Stop campaign advertised on buses and broadcast on radio across the county this autumn.

The campaign aims to reduce the number of incidents where drivers are reluctant to stop for school crossing patrols.

Failure to stop could result in prosecution, three penalty points on a driving licence and a fine of up to £1,000.

When approaching a patrol, motorists should always be prepared to slow down or stop.

Once the patrol officer raises their sign, drivers must, by law, stop and wait for the patrol officer to return to the pavement before moving off.

Hampshire County Council's executive member for economy, transport and environment, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “Although the majority of drivers respect the work carried out by school crossing patrols, there is still a small but significant number who ignore the law, abuse the service and put the lives of children and the patrols at risk.

"Not only is it dangerous for drivers to ignore a School Crossing Patrol, but it is also against the law and they risk a penalty fine of up to £1,000 and three points on their licence.”