We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time
The start point for the best source of fleet information |
I was shocked this week when I read that the important job our lollipop men and women do is becoming a stressful and potentially dangerous one.
I was shocked this week when I read that the important job our lollipop men and women do is becoming a stressful and potentially dangerous one.
And now lollipop patrols are being given tools to fight back against aggressive drivers who hurl abuse at them or worse still, put parents and school children in danger by ignoring their crossing and motoring on through.
Legally, a lollipop patrol has the same power to stop traffic as a red traffic light does.
What many drivers don't realise is that if you don't stop the car for a patrol you could face a fine and points on your licence. But despite this it is estimated that there were 1400 incidents against lollipop patrols last year.
In the past there has been a problem compiling evidence against drivers so a council in West Yorkshire has made the move to mount mini cameras onto lollipops, one facing forwards, the other backwards. The pictures can be used as evidence against drivers who hurl abuse or put the children crossing the road at risk.
The more I read the more examples I find of children stepping out in to the road and nearly being knocked down at the crossing. And it seems that this is a problem across the country with staff in Bath handing out special bookmarks to pedestrians and motorists urging them to "be aware" at school crossing points while in Warwickshire headcams are being trialled after they reported a rise in the number of attacks and abuse.
My concern is that this is a symptom of a bigger issue, aggressive and selfish drivers causing mayhem on our roads. Earlier this month a YouGov survey found that 10 million British motorists had been the victim of road rage over the past three years, with a quarter experiencing heightened levels of stress while behind the wheel.
And it appears drivers are taking steps to protect themselves. Despite tax rises and pressure from the green lobby, the latest figures show that 4x4's are more popular than ever. Feedback from motorists shows that this unexpected trend is partly due to greater levels of stress on Britain's crowded roads and 4x4s providing a sense of protection from other motorists.
So what next, are we going to be driving around in armoured vehicles to keep us safe?
My message to drivers is a clear one; no amount of time that you can shave off a journey is worth putting others at risk and aggressive behaviour behind the wheel simply isn't on. While for the lollipop patrols this begs the question, should their minimum wage salary be increased to include danger money?
BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
