Lollipop ladies are being forced to wear bodycams with the local council deploying the move as a “last resort” against abuse.
Suffolk County Council says the cameras will be rolled out to 55 school crossing patrols following a spate of abuse across the county.
The council cited recent incidents including a teenage cyclist abusing one guard in Ipswich while another incident in Lowestoft where a man spat on the floor towards a guard.
Now, guards have come forward to say that the abuse can sometimes ruin their jobs.
Andy, a lollipop man based in Foxhall Road, Ipswich, told the Eastern Daily Press: “You get some people who will shout and scream obscenities. It does get you down after a while.”
Lynne, who also works in Ipswich, added: “It’s scary for us and it’s certainly scary for the parents and the children.”
Fiona, based in Lowestoft, added: “We do have drivers that will zoom round me to go and pick up a child, which is bizarre.
“Part of your job is being nice to people, which comes naturally, and when people are nasty, it hurts.”
School crossing guards will be wearing bodycams
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SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL
Councillor Keith Welham, the Green Party spokesperson for highways, public transport and rural services at the council said: “It’s terrible that it has come to this.
“Some of the abuse these officers have received is horrific, and a lot of it is down to impatience and bad manners.
“I can’t understand why someone would treat their friendly crossing patrol officer like this.
“It is a real shame it has come to this, but we need to keep officers safe.”
Andy said abuse can often ruin the job
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SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL
Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for transport strategy from the Conservatives, says that the campaign supports the council’s wider road safety and active travel strategy and that the patrols play a vital role in enabling safe streets.
He said: “This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable and by launching this awareness campaign to remind people of their responsibilities, together we can help make Suffolk’s roads safer for everyone.
“Legally, under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, motorists who fail to stop can face a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points while in more serious cases, a driving ban is possible.
“The Highway Code is equally clear: drivers must stop and allow pedestrians to cross safely.”
The county council has encouraged motorists to not abuse lollypop men and women
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SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL
The scheme is part of the council’s “Lollipops Aren’t Just For Children” campaign, which began yesterday.
Some of the other moves introduced by the council include advertising on the back of buses around Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft, radio advertisements on Heart Suffolk, video content featuring crossing patrol officers sharing why they value their role in keeping communities safe and targeted social media advertising.