New safety measures protect children and crossing patrols
| Published: 8th October 2008 09:34 |
Motorists failing to stop at school crossing points in Stockport face the prospect of being caught and prosecuted.
A 'Stop Means Stop' campaign, launched by Stockport Council in partnership with Solutions SK, will protect children and School Crossing Patrols who will be armed with a new high tech weapon to fight against careless or distracted drivers.
Two high resolution, colour cameras, mounted on a crossing pole will record 'real-time' images of the road, helping lollipop men and women track down motorists who commit offences. A CCTV van from Solutions SK will also be making random spot checks around school crossing points as a further deterrent to motorists.
The Council hopes that the campaign will educate and increase awareness of the issue. However, the recorded evidence can, and will, be used as secondary evidence against any driver committing an offence.
Donna Evans, age 33, has been a School Crossing Patrol for three years. She said: "There are so many incidents where drivers have failed to stop. Accidents happen because drivers are in a rush and can't be bothered to stop for a few moments. But once it happens it's too late and you just don't have enough time to write down the details of the vehicle.
"The camera is a great idea as it gives extra protection for us and the children we are trying to protect."
Councillor David White, Executive Member for Transportation, said: "It's unbelievable that we have to even consider going to these lengths to protect the lives of children and our SCPs. Stop signs carried by our patrols have the same power as a red traffic light and drivers must stop by law when the patrol raises the sign. It is not for the motorist to decide whether or not to stop."
Almost 1,500 incidents involving SCPs were reported nationally last year.
Councillor David White, added: "We have to take drastic action if we're to get motorists to sit up and take notice and we hope that this will be enough of a deterrent."
'Stop Means Stop' car stickers and flyers are also being distributed to parents throughout local schools, in order to support the campaign and increase awareness locally.
If you would like more information, contact the Council's Road Safety Team on 0161 474 4875 or visit www.stockport.gov.uk/roadsafety
School Crossings - The Law
The Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 was amended and since 30 January 2001 drivers are legally bound to STOP for any pedestrian, regardless of age, being helped across the road by a SCP.
The states Road Traffic Act it's the law to stop when signalled to do so by a SCP. Motorists who don't stop could face:
. A fine of up to £1,000
. 3 penalty points on your driving licence.
. Disqualification.
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