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Lollipop lady Donna Evans
Lollipop cam will lick bad drivers into shape
24/ 9/2008
SHAW HEATH lollipop lady Donna Evans has been given an extra set of eyes to combat road rage after she was hit by a car.
While she looks out for traffic in front, hidden cameras in her specially-adapted lollipop are watching her back.
The £900 mini cameras, fitted to either side of the pole, record clear video and sound and capture on film reckless drivers near her school crossing patrol.
It follows an alarming rise in incidents in which lollipop patrols have been attacked and put in danger by motorists.
The Local Government Association estimates there are 1,400 lollipop ‘rage’ incidents each year.
The idea for the lollipop cam came from a Manchester crossing patrol officer who stuck a camcorder to his lollipop to record motorists who didn’t stop.
He was ordered to remove it because it changed the shape of the pole - but road safety firm Routesafe adopted the idea and it is being tested by patrols across the country.
Mrs Evans, 33, a lollipop lady for more than three years, suffered whiplash and an injured shoulder after being knocked down on her crossing at Shaw Heath.
The mum-of-three narrowly escaped serious injury on another occasion when a motorist swerved around her, missing her by inches.
Mrs Evans said: "I think most drivers see us as an inconvenience rather than a necessity. The cameras are a brilliant idea. They’ll hopefully make people notice we’re there for a good reason. When people see a speed camera they slow down, and if they know we’ve got cameras they will do the same."
When lollipop patrols place the pole upright, motorists are legally required to stop as they would at a red traffic light. Drivers disobeying them face a £1,000 fine or three points.
Stockport Council’s transport spokesman Councillor David White said: "It’s almost unbelievable that we have to consider going to these lengths to protect the lives of children and crossing patrols."
Most recent 2 of 3 user comments
Like when they see a safe gap in the traffic and cross without inconveniencing anyone?
29/09/2008 at 12:36
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There is a difference. Get run over whilst crossing anywhere..chances are the driver will not be proscuted. Get run over at a crossing,the driver probably will face action. Your chances of crossing safely are greatly increased if you use a proper crossing.
1/10/2008 at 19:33