West Sussex lollipop given cameras after being "spat on"
They'll wear them from today
Lollipop people across West Sussex are being given body worn cameras after reports they were being spat on and verbally abused during work.
They're being handed out to those working in antisocial behaviour and driving hotspots, after a successful trial which found incidents of this kind halved when the cameras were worn.
The footage recorded cannot be viewed by officers - and will be deleted after 28 days.
Councillor Erika Woodhurst-Trueman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:
"Our school crossing patrol officers do a fantastic job helping people cross the road safely every day.
"Everyone has the right to feel safe while carrying out their work, and these cameras will help protect our crossing patrol staff while also encouraging safer behaviour from drivers."
"By making crossing points safer and supporting the people who operate them, we're also helping more families feel confident about walking to school.
"Encouraging active travel is an important part of improving health, reducing congestion and creating safer, more pleasant communities for everyone."
Sites will be reviewed each year - and could change based on where needs them.
Councillor Sam Raby, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, added:
"A safe journey to and from school is something every child deserves. School crossing patrol officers play a vital role in helping children arrive safely each day, and these cameras will provide extra support to help keep them safe.
"They will give parents peace of mind and remove potential barriers that could affect attendance."