THOUGHTLESS motorists are being warned they could face a £60 fine for parking which puts children’s lives at risk.

They have been stopping and parking in the prohibited zone either side of a pedestrian crossing in Spa Road, Hockley.

Police patrols are being stepped up near Sainsbury’s supermarket to catch drivers who stop on the zig zag road markings.

They will be given a £60 fine and will have three penalty points added to their driving licence.

It comes after the problem was raised by Hockley Neighbourhood Action Panel who noticed people were stopping there to pop into the shops. The fear is that the parked vehicles obscure the view of oncoming traffic to pedestrians using the crossing.

PC Michelle Rawson, Neighbourhood Constable for Hawkwell and Hockley, said: “We need to get the seriousness of the situation across to drivers and have them realise the danger they present to others in flouting the restrictions.

“It is an offence to stop within the limits of the crossing other than to allow people to cross. Stopping to collect someone or go into a shop is no defence and they should know that we will be robust in enforcing the law.”

Businesses close to the crossing are backing police efforts by displaying warning notices in their windows.

PC Rawson added: “Our primary concern is to prevent injury and possible fatalities. This is a busy crossing used by great many pedestrians, particularly the elderly and youngsters going to and from school. I would urge drivers to think about the safety of others and to resist the temptation to break the law and stop where they shouldn’t.”

Police have also been made aware of inconsiderate parking around Hockley Primary School in Buckingham Road. They will also be stepping up patrols there to enforce traffic restrictions.