Pupils, staff, parents and road safety partners came together yesterday (Thursday 17 September) at St Andrew the Apostle School in Halewood to support Knowsley Council’s Stop Means STOP Day of Action.
The campaign, initiated by Lancashire County Council, was organised to remind drivers that they must stop when a School Crossing Patrol Officer shows the STOP sign and steps into the road.
During the afternoon, School Crossing Patrol Officers were joined by the Council’s Road Safety Team, Civil Enforcement Officers and other partner organisations. They spoke to families and drivers about the importance of keeping children safe when travelling to and from school.
The event also celebrated the important work School Crossing Patrol Officers do every day. They help children and families cross the road safely and play a key role in protecting people near schools.
Cllr Sean Donnelly, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, commented: “Our School Crossing Patrol Officers do an incredible job helping families cross the road each day, and it is vital that drivers respect their instructions. By working together, we can make our roads safer for children, parents and school staff across Knowsley.”
Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development said: “Most motorists do the right thing, but it only takes one driver ignoring a STOP sign to put lives at risk. When the STOP sign is displayed, drivers must stop. This is not only common sense, but also the law. The Day of Action has helped raise awareness of this vital safety message and support the officers who work every day to protect children and families.”
Sandra Russell, Learning Mentor at St Andrew the Apostle added: “Having everyone here today has a big impact on what the parents see, and we want to thank everyone who supported the school today, including the Road Safety Team, Police, PCSO’s and CEO’s. It’s really important that we put it out there about traffic because collisions happen quite frequently, today was good but it needs to go on. The children and our community need to be safe, especially our School Crossing Patrol, we all need to look after them.”
During the day, pupils learned about road safety and helped share the campaign’s message with their families. Information and road safety materials were also given out to support the campaign.
Here’s what some of the children said when asked “Why are School Crossing Patrols important?”:
“Because without help, you might not be able to see across the road because there might be parked cars on either side and when you try to see past them or try to walk to see, you could get run over.”
“Because simply, to not die”
“So, you are safe and you don’t get hurt by trying to cross”
“They keep us safe so we don’t get ran over”
Although most drivers follow the rules and stop when asked, the campaign highlighted the dangers caused by the small number who do not. Failing to stop can put children, parents and School Crossing Patrol Officers at serious risk.
Drivers are reminded that they have a legal duty to obey signals given by a School Crossing Patrol Officer. When a patrol officer displays the STOP sign and enters the road, drivers must stop.
Not stopping is against the law and can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on a driving licence. There may be more serious consequences if someone is hurt.
Parents and carers are also being asked to help keep children safe by parking responsibly, avoiding zig-zag markings and driving carefully near schools.
