Home

The lollipop strikes back

In a reaction to increasing incidents of ‘lollipop rage' local councils are now arming their crossing guards with hi-tech equipment which will expose the abusive motorists in question. Lollipop signs with in-built video cameras to record the episodes and the car number plates will be sent out to lollipop ladies and men nationwide.

Email this article to a Friend >>

This comes after 1,400 incidents of lollipop rage were reported to local councils last year, where in some cases lollipop staff have been ignored, threatened and even hit by oncoming cars whose drivers refuse to stop. The new development is bad news to unruly motorists, as a lollipop sign has the same legal power as a red light, which means failure to take notice can result in a £1,000 fine and a three-point penalty on driving licences.

It is however good news for schoolchildren, who rely heavily on lollipop staff to see them cross the road safely on their way to and from school. David Francis was on school crossing patrol in Gosport, Hampshire until he was seriously injured in an incident last year. He is still unable to walk unaided and continues to take medication. He said: ‘I found being a school crossing patrol an extremely rewarding job. The children learn that they must concentrate when crossing the road, and they rely on you to help them cross safely. I'm thankful every day that the children weren't hurt, but it deeply saddens me that children saw me lying injured in the road. A few seconds earlier and the outcome could have been far worse.

Nevertheless, my advice to school crossing patrols is to keep doing this job and don't be put off by what happened to me. It's a really important role, and the children need you.'

Email this article to a Friend >>