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East of England Ambulance ServiceEssex County CouncilEssex County Fire & Rescue SeviceEssex PoliceHighways AgencySouthend-on-Sea Borough CouncilThurrock Council

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Make Sure you STOP for the Lollipop!

The Essex Casualty Reduction Board (ECRB) will be launching a publicity campaign next week to remind motorists of the importance of stopping for school crossing patrols.

“Stop Means Stop!”, which begins 5 October, consists of radio and petrol pump advertising, with lollipop staff (school crossing patrols) wearing special “Stop Means Stop!” tabards and distributing car stickers and leaflets.

Motorists are also asked to show their support whilst encouraging others to consider the dangers by displaying a ‘Stop Means Stop!’ sticker in their vehicles

In 2008, one in three Essex School Crossing Patrols reported incidents where motorists failed to stop at school crossing sites. In response, the ECRB will remind people that the lollipop sign means the same thing as a red traffic light and is enforceable by law. Non-compliance could mean a fine of up to £1000 and three penalty points.

Sharon Wallace, School Crossing Patrol Supervisor, Maldon and Chelmsford said: “The incidents which are reported every week are truly shocking. One colleague told how a motorist swerved past him when he was out in the middle of the road, narrowly missing him and frightening the schoolchildren. Another recounted how he was nearly run over by an impatient and abusive driver."

“The reason school crossing patrol officers continue in the job is due to their dedication for the wellbeing of the school children they cross. I’d like to thank the ECRB for raising the profile of this problem.”

It is a common misconception that drivers do not have to stop for School Crossing Patrols, as a recent prosecution, which left a motorist with a £350 fine and four penalty points, shows. 
 
The most common offences committed by motorists include:
  • Failing to stop
  • Driving around the patrol when they are in the road
  • Driving too close to the patrol
  • Revving engines while the patrol and children are in the road
  • Using abusive language
  • Occasionally using physical violence

County Councillor Norman Hume, Head of the Essex Casualty Reduction Board, said: “It is only a minority of motorists who cause these problems but they must learn to stop for the lollipop. By trying to squeeze past the school crossing patrol before they reach the middle of the road they are putting other road users at risk, all to save a few seconds on their journey time.”