THE driver of a car sped through a pedestrian crossing while texting on his phone as children were about to cross, police have been told.

The incident, which happened in Elphinstone, was witnessed by local shopkeeper Kevan Potter.

Mr Potter told police he watched the white Fiesta overtake a car which had stopped at a red light and plough through the crossing, ignoring the green man.

He said: “One car slowed down to stop at the crossing and this car overtook them, easily doing 70mph, while the driver was texting, going straight through the red light.

“It is a daily occurence and had the children crossed with the green man instead of stopping because they saw the car it could have been a lot worse.”

Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council said plans had been in place to put traffic calming measures at entrances to the village because of issues with speeding drivers. However, it is understood a new housing development has delayed any progress on the proposals.

Police urged people to contact them with information relating to speeding motorists.