Halton’s Road Safety team is sending a strong message to motorists due to unacceptable aggressive behaviour and illegal parking around schools.
The Council team has seen a worrying increase in the number of incidents of abuse, aggression and illegal/inconsiderate parking around schools, especially at school crossing patrol sites at Latham Avenue and Boston Avenue in Runcorn and Appleton Village and Peel House Lane in Widnes.
Drivers and cyclists are reminded of the Highway Code Rule 210, which states that ‘You MUST stop when a school crossing patrol shows a ‘Stop for children’ sign’, and to never park, pull over or wait on ‘School Keep Clear’ marking and double yellow lines.
The rules and guidance within The Highway Code exist to protect all road users, especially children and their carers.
In fact, under the Transport Act 2000, school crossing patrols have the power to stop traffic when wearing their uniform and using the Stop sign. Any driver who fails to stop when signalled to do so by a school crossing patrol officer is breaking the law and can be reported to police.
This can lead to a fine of up to £1000 and three points on their driving licence.
It is vital all that drivers and riders comply with the law to improve road safety and prevent road casualties.
If you usually drive your children to school, please consider:
- Walking rather than driving.
- Encouraging more children and parents to walk, scoot or cycle to school.
- If you live too far away and need to drive park further away from the school gates and walk the last 5 minutes of your journey. Reducing the number of vehicles around the school gates can help.
- Slowing down near schools and in areas where a patrol is working
- Being patient and leaving the crossing site clear
- Adhering to the requests of the School Crossing Patrols who are there to keep YOUR children safe.
The Road Safety Team at Halton Borough Council have previously carried out campaigns at ‘hot spot’ areas.
These include:
- Displaying large banners with various safety messages.
- Parking Buddies – metal cut-out characters holding safety messages. The buddies are placed safely on the kerbside where drivers should not stop or park on school ‘keep clear’ markings and double yellow lines.
- Campaign leaflets.
Sadly, despite campaigns across the borough there is stil a worrying increase in the number of incidents of abuse, aggression and ‘drive throughs’ at almost all sites, but with a particular emphasis on the identified hot spots.
Council Executive Board member Cllr Stef Nelson, whose portfolio includes road safety, highways and transport, says: “Our School Crossing Patrols, and the children and adults who they take across the road to and from school each day, are being put in danger from moving vehicles, illegal and inconsiderate parking and a lack of respect for the role of our Patrols.
“The School Crossing Patrols provide and important service in our communities. We are asking you to be part of the solution and not part of the problem – a combined effort will make a difference.
“Regrettably if the situation does not improve, serious consideration will have to be given to the delivery of our Road Safety service, bearing in mind that we have a duty of care not only to members of the public but to our dedicated school crossing patrols.”
So please show you care – join our campaign.