DRIVERS who fail to stop at school crossings are being warned they face a £1,000 fine and risk getting three penalty points on their licence.

The warning comes from Hertfordshire County Council following reports of drivers becoming abusive toward lollipop attendants as they help children across the road.

There have also been incidents of drivers revving their engines to force children across the road faster and driving around patrols.

The council's road safety unit has now launched a campaign entitled Stop Means Stop warning drivers of the risk they take.

About 200 Hertfordshire Highways vehicles will display the message School Crossing Patrols, Stop! It's the law'.

County councillor Stuart Pile said: "We were appalled to learn from a recent survey that many drivers are unaware that it is illegal to ignore school crossing patrol requests to stop.

"Most of them had no idea that flouting this law not only puts young lives at risk but could also hit them hard in the pocket and lead to them losing their driving licence."

The Road Safety Unit also has specially designed coasters and car stickers, available by calling 01992 556800.