Why it matters: More than 55 school crossing patrol officers operate across the county, and under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, failing to stop when signalled by a patrol officer can result in a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points, and, in more serious cases, a driving ban.
The details: The 'Lollipops Aren't Just For Children' campaign, which began on Monday, 2 March, aims to raise awareness of motorists' legal obligations at school crossing points. It follows a number of incidents involving patrol officers being verbally abused, including an officer in Cliff Lane, Ipswich, who was verbally abused by a teenage cyclist on two consecutive afternoons after she politely asked him to dismount and walk across so she could keep traffic stopped.
What's new: Following the trial of body-worn cameras, which resulted in successful prosecutions, Suffolk County Council will now roll out the cameras to all patrol officers across the county.
What they're saying: 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.
"While most drivers follow the rules, some continue to ignore stop signals and verbally abuse crossing patrol officers, people - including children - using the crossing, and other motorists who are doing what they are supposed to.
"This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable, and by launching this awareness campaign to remind people of their responsibilities, together we can help make Suffolk's roads safer for everyone."
The bigger picture: The six-week campaign runs across Suffolk and includes advertising on the back of buses in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft, radio advertisements on Heart Suffolk, video content featuring crossing patrol officers, and targeted social media advertising. It forms part of Suffolk County Council's wider road safety and active travel strategy.
The bottom line: With body-worn cameras now being rolled out and a county-wide awareness campaign underway, Suffolk County Council is sending a clear message to drivers: stopping for a lollipop person is not optional - it is the law.
