Campaign launched to stop crossing patrol officer abuse

A road safety campaign urging drivers across Suffolk to stop when instructed and help keep everybody safe on busy roads was launched earlier this month.

The ‘Lollipops Aren’t Just For Children’ campaign began on 2 March and reminds motorists of their legal obligation to comply with the stop signs displayed by more than 55 school crossing patrols across the county.

It has been launched after incidents involving crossing patrol officers being abused, and following the trial of a small number of body-worn cameras which has resulted in successful prosecutions their use will now be rolled out across the county.

Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 motorists must stop when signalled by a school crossing patrol or risk a fine up to £1,000 and incur three penalty points.

In more serious cases a driving ban can also be incurred.

The Highway Code also states that when the patrol steps into the road with the stop sign upright, drivers must stop to let pedestrians cross safely.

Although mostly associated with helping children cross the road safely, school crossing patrol officers have the legal authority to stop traffic for any pedestrian, not just pupils travelling to and from school.