A MOTORIST has been hit with a £550 bill for failing to stop for a school crossing patrol.

Colin Hoborough, of Walton Road, Sidcup, denied careless driving at Bexley Magistrates' Court.

However, he was found guilty of failing to stop for the lollipop lady in Hurst Road, Sidcup, in July last year.

The court heard the woman was standing in the middle of the road helping children and their parents cross the busy road on their way home from school.

She was wearing her high-visibility coat and using her Stop - Children sign and there were flashing amber warning signs on the approach to the crossing.

However, Hoborough drove his dark-coloured Mini past without stopping.

On September 12, he was fined £400, ordered to pay £150 costs and had four penalty points put on his licence.

After the case, Bexley Council cabinet member for transport Councillor Peter Craske said: "Bexley Council will always seek prosecution for drivers who put our staff and the people they help at risk.

"When a patrol is displaying the sign, drivers must stop and remain stationary while the patrol continures to display the sign. Remember, stop means stop."