Dopey drivers should call a halt to this behaviour

Mar 27 2008

As a school crossing patroller I am writing on my own behalf, but I am sure my colleagues would also agree.

Where there is a school crossing patroller (SXP), there is always a sign warning drivers that they should expect to see a ‘Lollipop’ man or woman.

When the SXP is correctly attired and displaying the ‘Stop’ sign, they have legal authority to stop traffic. This is mandatory and not a request.

For the benefit of those drivers to whom most of the Highway Code is a just a happy memory, signs within a triangle give warning; signs within a circle are commands.

Rather than stopping, some drivers actually increase speed in order to intimidate the SXP (it doesn’t always work and is really a bit pathetic).

Let me also dispel a common misconception: SXPs are not exclusively for the use of schoolchildren.

Our instructions are to assist anyone who wishes to avail themselves of the service (this seems to cause considerable consternation among a minority of drivers).s

I would ask my fellow drivers (I passed my test in 1964) to be conscious of their speed at these points and be ready to stop if required.

It does get a bit worrying when you’re dressed like a giant, high-viz banana and you still get the occasional “Sorry, I didn’t see you!”

H.B. Stewart, SXP.