POLICE are looking to put a stop to drivers who are flouting the law in Purton.

Complaints have been made that motorists are not stopping at the junction with High Street, Church Street and Hyde Lane.

The layout, which was changed two years ago, is at a busy crossroads where many residents use the convenience store on the corner.

Police have said that by not stopping at this junction, drivers are endangering the lives of others and will face three penalty points as well as a £60 fine.

Sgt Martin Alvis said he monitored the situation last week and only two out of 40 vehicles stopped in the time he was there.

He was at the site again yesterday with PCSO Nicola Allan to act as a reminder to drivers that they should be stopping.

He said: “These drivers are putting people at risk of running pedestrians over because they can’t see if they are there.

“It has been going on for a while and it is usually brought up at the neighbourhood meetings.

“We have been out here trying to educate drivers, but it is still happening and soon we will have to start ticketing them.

“The junction has been changed and a lot of people don’t realise it’s a stop sign, which means stop completely.

“Good practice would say engage your handbrake but at the very least your vehicle has to come to a halt and not be in motion.

“We don’t want to give people fines of £60 and three points on their licence but it is a stop sign and that needs to be enforced.

“This is a busy junction with the shops here and there will be someone seriously hurt if drivers don’t stop and look.”

Church Street resident Raymond Clarke, 62, said that the road was dangerous and he was concerned for the safety of the children.

He said: “It is a race track. It’s not only that people don’t stop, people drive along the road too fast.

“With the children’s play park over the road and children skateboarding along the road there is going to be an accident.

“It has been brought up at committee meetings to see if something can be done to stop people speeding, but nothing is ever done.”

The area concerned will be raised with the council to discuss options.