Lollipop men and women to wear body-worn cameras

12 hours ago

Patrick Barlow,South Eastand

Kate Relton,South East

The body-worn cameras will be introduced at schools identified as hotspots for incidents

Getty Images A road sign next to a wire fence with houses in the background. The sign has a red triangle with white background and a silhouette of two children running. Beneath this is a white sign that reads "SCHOOL". Underneath this is another red triangle with white background and a silhouette of a man holding hands with a young child. — The body-worn cameras will be introduced at schools identified as hotspots for incidents

Lollipop men and women at some crossings in West Sussex are to be given bodycams.

The scheme follows reports of dangerous driving, drivers failing to stop at crossings, and incidents of verbal abuse towards school crossing patrol officers.

A successful four-week trial took place at selected schools in the county earlier this year, with incidents halved where the cameras were in use.

West Sussex County Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, Erika Woodhurst-Trueman, said: "Everyone has the right to feel safe while carrying out their work, and these cameras will help protect our crossing patrol staff while also encouraging safer behaviour from drivers.

"By making crossing points safer and supporting the people who operate them, we're also helping more families feel confident about walking to school.

"Encouraging active travel is an important part of improving health, reducing congestion and creating safer, more pleasant communities for everyone."

The council said the body-worn cameras will be a preventative measure to reduce antisocial behaviour.

Footage from the cameras may be used to support police investigations where necessary.

Sam Raby, cabinet member for children, young people and learning said: "A safe journey to and from school is something every child deserves.

"School crossing patrol officers play a vital role in helping children arrive safely each day, and these cameras will provide extra support to help keep them safe.

"They will give parents peace of mind and remove potential barriers that could affect attendance."

Body-worn cameras are also to be introduced for Network Compliance Officers, whose role is to check that roadworks are being carried out to proper standards.

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