Police Announce Zero Tolerance for School Zone Scofflaws

Children return to school in Seal Beach, Rossmoor and Los Alamitos Wednesday, and police warned drivers there would be no tolerance for school safety scofflaws. The Seal Beach Police Department announced this week that there will be no grace period for enforcement of school safety laws.

``If the crossing guard 'Stop' sign is up, and the crossing guard is not
on the sidewalk, you cannot drive through the crosswalk,'' said Sgt. Steve Bowles. ``Stop for school busses as you approach from behind and from the opposite side if their lights are illuminated and bus stop signs are extended,'' Bowles said.

Fines for failure to yield for busses could reach as high as $1,000 dollars, he said.

``Wear your seatbelts and be a good example to your children,'' added Bowles.

``Do not talk on your cell phone unless you're within vehicle code compliance. Check the signs before dropping your kids off curbside,'' Bowles noted. ``Many of the signs prohibit stopping of any kind and this includes dropping off or picking up your kids.''

- City News Service