Local faces remind drivers to slow down around schools and stop in time

Three local crossing patrol officers are the stars of a social media campaign by Rochdale Borough Council that is helping to promote road safety around schools and reduce the number of drivers who fail to stop.

Anthony Hassett in Rochdale, Karen Coleman in Heywood, and Jacqueline Williams in Milnrow feature in photos showing them working during school runs, and they have already racked up over 55,000 views online. Accompanying messages warn drivers about the importance of stopping in time and respecting the lollipop, treating it like a red traffic light. Failure to stop can lead to prosecution, three penalty points and fines up to £1,000.

The campaign was launched in response to reports of poor driver behaviour and coincides with a special platinum jubilee anniversary - in July it is 70 years since school crossing patrol services were formed across the country. Feedback has been very positive, with a reported decrease in drivers failing to stop. Jacqueline Williams said: “It’s certainly making a positive difference. I think it’s brought us a lot more attention and drivers seem more aware. Publicising names and faces of the crossing patrols has made motorists see us as real people, so it is making a difference.”

With recruitment difficulties an ongoing issue, the campaign is also being used to encourage other local people to consider taking up one of the part time vacancies and already a post has been filled as a direct result of the promotion.

Councillor Shah Wazir, cabinet member for highways and facilities, said: “Sometimes we get residents commenting asking us why a specific crossing hasn’t had anyone on it for a while or why a particular street doesn’t have one, so we can direct them to the vacancies and remind everyone that to make sure all crossing points are manned and so we have casual cover available we need people to come forward and apply.”

Stay safe around schools:

• When approaching a patrol, motorists should always be prepared to slow down or stop.
• Once the patrol officer raises their sign, drivers must, by law, stop and wait for the patrol officer to return to the pavement before moving off.
• School crossing patrols are not just for children – they can help anyone cross safely.

Anthony Hassett who works on the junction of Sheriff Street and Jane Street near Rochdale town centre, said: “You see children and families grow up, meet their parents, the grandparents and you’re making sure they’re getting to and from school safely, so there’s job satisfaction as the roads are so busy these days. I know parents are a lot more reassured, especially when their children are starting secondary school when there is someone helping them cross.”

Councillor Shah Wazir added: “It has been good to see what a response we have had to our campaign so far and there have been many positive comments about the work these officers do in all weathers. The vast majority of drivers respect our crossing patrols but there are still some who ignore the law, abuse the service and put the lives of children and our staff at risk, which is why we are reminding everyone.”