Lollipop men and women in Sheffield to get bodycams in bid to boost safety
Road safety in Sheffield could improve following the council’s introduction of body cameras for school crossing wardens
Sheffield City Council has announced that school crossing wardens at a number of locations in the city will receive the cameras as part of an initiative to improve safety for children travelling to and from school.
The introduction of body-worn cameras is designed to help create safer crossing environments, and provide an extra layer of protection for lollipop men and women who stop traffic and help youngsters cross on their way to and from school.
Jefferson Nwokeoma, Assistant Director of City Transport at Sheffield Council, said: “Our school crossing patrol officers do an incredible job helping children and families travel safely to and from school every day. Unfortunately, they can sometimes face unacceptable behaviour from a small number of road users.”
Verbal abuse, aggressive behaviour and dangerous driving from those who ignore stop signals are among the challenged they face.
By having cameras, lollipop men and womsen can capture video evidence when incidents occur.
The initiative forms part of Sheffield City Council's wider commitment to improving road safety and supporting active travel.
By deterring dangerous driving near schools, this should provide safer conditions for children who walk, wheel or cycle to school, the council said.
Jefferson Nwokeoma added: “These body-worn cameras will help protect our staff, provide valuable evidence when incidents occur and encourage motorists to follow the rules of the road. Ultimately, this is about making the journey to school safer for everyone.”
Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, it is a criminal offence for failing to stop for school crossing patrol displaying a stop sign.
Drivers can face a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points on their licence and possible disqualification. It is also an offence to drive away before the patrol officer has fully left the carriageway.
Sheffield City Council hopes the cameras will not only help reduce incidents, but also enforce the message that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.