Suffolk campaign urges drivers to respect school crossing patrols
The County Council's ‘Lollipops Aren’t Just For Children’ campaign starts today
Drivers in Suffolk are being warned to obey school crossing patrols or face fines of up to £1,000.
Launching on Monday (2nd March), the ‘Lollipops Aren’t Just For Children’ initiative from Suffolk County Council reminds motorists of their legal obligations to comply with stop signs displayed by over 55 school crossing patrols around the county.
The campaign comes in response to incidents where crossing patrol officers faced abuse, leading to successful prosecutions following a trial of body-worn cameras.
Incidents reported include verbal abuse by a cyclist in Ipswich, spitting by an individual in Lowestoft, and aggressive behaviour from a car in Felixstowe.
Body worn cameras will now be rolled out across the county.
Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, drivers must stop when signalled by school crossing patrols, risking fines up to £1,000 and three penalty points for non-compliance.
School crossing patrol officers can stop traffic for any pedestrian, not just schoolchildren.
Over six weeks, the campaign will feature bus advertisements in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, and Lowestoft, radio adverts on Heart Suffolk, and video content with patrol officers, along with targeted social media ads.
Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Transport Strategy, said: "We’ve launched ‘Lollipops Aren’t Just For Children’ to remind drivers to slow down, be patient and show respect at patrol points."