Teachers today welcomed plans to equip lollipop patrols in the Black Country with video cameras built into their crossing poles to fight back against abuse from drivers.
It was yesterday revealed that Dudley is one of the first authorities to order the poles which have in-built cameras. It is expected the new weapon against “lollipop rage” will be used from June. Other authoritites, including Nuneaton, are using cameras fixed to the hats of crossing patrol wardens which should mean wardens will no longer have to take down registration numbers as evidence against drivers.
Deputy headteacher Steve Greenhalgh at Roberts Primary School, Lower Gornal, said anything which made the job of a lollipop patrol safer was welcomed.
“We are fortunate that we have not had a problem with our lollipop lady being abused and she has been outside the school for 28 years. But I am aware that there are motorists with a blatant disregard for patrols and that is unacceptable. Our school is on a busy road and the speed some of the drivers do is unbelievable.
Dudley has ordered two of the special poles, which are also being used in Huddersfield.
Council spokeswoman Katherine Finney said: “We have ordered two poles fitted with the camera devices. It is hoped they will help prevent drive-throughs and stop verbal abuse and intimidation of our crossing patrols.
“We expect the camera poles, which film in two directions, to be in operation in June and we intend to move them around hotspot areas in the borough.”
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