Stop for the lollipop – it’s the law

Buckinghamshire Council is launching its ‘Stop means Stop’ campaign to remind drivers that they must stop for school crossing patrollers otherwise they face a hefty fine, penalty points or even disqualification.

Buckinghamshire’s 60 school crossing patrollers are out in all weathers, twice a day cheerfully helping school children and adults across roads to and from their local schools. However, they are experiencing rising cases of abuse and threatening behaviour from a minority of drivers who are potentially putting lives at risk.

That’s why this autumn Buckinghamshire Council is launching its ‘Stop means Stop’ campaign to remind drivers of their legal obligations and to keep everyone safe on their journeys to school.

The 1988 Road Traffic Act clearly states that as soon as a patroller raises their sign, even if they have not stepped into the road, drivers must be prepared to stop. Once the school crossing patroller is in the road displaying the sign, drivers must stop, and not proceed until the school crossing patroller and all those crossing have cleared the road. Drivers flouting the law could face a £1,000 fine, three penalty points and even disqualification.

Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport Steven Broadbent says there’s absolutely no excuse for drivers not stopping for school crossing patrollers or hurling abuse. “It’s not ok to intimidate or threaten our lollipop people who are just helping children to get to school. Drivers have a clear responsibility under the law and dangerous driving, revving cars and shouting abuse is distressing for the patroller and the children they are helping, and it must stop.”

Steven added: “As the new school year has just started, I want to encourage anyone that witnesses threatening or intimidating behaviour to report it straight away and we will ensure the full weight of the law is brought on those who choose to ignore their legal responsibility. If everyone stops for the lollipop, then that’s the best way to keep everyone safe and well.”

To report an incident, please contact:

Aylesbury Vale and Wycombe (West)
Telephone: 01296 383432
Email: corinne.randall@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Chiltern & South Bucks and Wycombe (East)
Telephone: 01494 586639
Email: georgina.longley@buckinghamshire.gov.uk