DRIVERS are being reminded that "STOP means STOP" when a school crossing patrol officer displays their lollipop sign, as part of a road safety campaign across St Helens.
The message was reinforced this week as St Helens Borough Council's Road Safety Team joined forces with Merseyside Police and local school crossing patrol officers for a regional day of action aimed at improving safety around schools.
Road safety officers visited a number of primary schools across the borough, speaking to parents, carers and motorists about the importance of obeying crossing patrol signs, observing parking restrictions and driving responsibly near school gates.
Leaflets highlighting the legal requirement to stop when instructed by a school crossing patrol were distributed to families and passing drivers.
Councillor Gary Edgerton, the council's cabinet member for business, highways and transport, said the vast majority of motorists complied with the law but warned of the potentially serious consequences for those who fail to stop.
He said: "The vast majority of drivers are law-abiding, courteous, and stop as instructed. Drivers have a legal duty to understand and obey signals given at school crossing patrols and we can't stress enough that 'STOP means STOP'.
"There's a real risk of serious harm otherwise to our officers and the school communities they serve."
Cllr Edgerton added that motorists who ignore crossing patrol signs can be fined up to £1,000 and receive three penalty points on their driving licence, with further consequences possible if somebody is injured.
The campaign also highlighted concerns about illegal parking outside schools, particularly on zig-zag markings designed to keep children visible and safe when crossing roads.
Alongside the safety message, the council has launched a recruitment drive for new school crossing patrol officers, with vacancies currently available at schools in Blackbrook, Rainhill, Derbyshire Hill, Earlestown and Parr.
Cllr Edgerton described crossing patrol staff as "community heroes", adding: "Some have even helped multiple generations of the same families to stay safe on the road. They really are community heroes and we couldn't be prouder of them."
The council said school crossing patrol locations are regularly reviewed to ensure resources are targeted where they are needed most, while wider road safety education and awareness campaigns continue across the borough.
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