With class now back in session, a Windsor crossing guard is pleading with the public to not forget about the safety of children walking to school.

Margherita Di Ponio has been a city crossing guard since the mid-90’s. She’s currently responsible for helping children cross the intersection of Dominion Boulevard and Northwood Street.

 Now on the second day of school, Di Ponio says she’s already experienced a close call.

“Already this morning I had an incident where a driver could have easily hit a child, while turning a corner and I am in the middle of the crosswalk with my stop sign up,” she says.

Law mandates that motorists wait until crossing guards are off the street with their signs down – even if children have already crossed the street safely.

"They are there for a purpose. They are entitled to be there and they have a job to do, and it's to ensure the safety of our children," says Windsor police Sgt. Matthew D’Asti.

D'Asti says failure to comply with a crossing guard can land motorists a fine ranging from $150 to $500. He says crossing guards have authority on the street to direct traffic and they must be obeyed.

"These are dedicated hard working men and women, who serve our community to ensure the safety of our children."

Motorists can expect to see an increased police presence in school zones, with a focus on school bus and crosswalk safety for the duration of September.