A Lancaster school has joined in a day of action across the county as part of a campaign for drivers to slow down on a dangerous road.
Christ Church Primary School in Lancaster took part in the 'STOP means STOP' scheme as staff and pupils continue to raise awareness of concerns about Derwent Road.
The school has itself been campaigning to promote road safety near the school and highlight the vital role of School Crossing Patrol (SCP) officers.
Two Junior Road Safety Ambassadors, Alice Rushworth and Poppy Kitchen, have been appointed, and a road safety banner has been displayed outside the school made up of the work of pupils.
"We are trying to raise awareness of the importance of slowing down on Derwent Road, which is a really dangerous road," said Gemma Hooper, deputy head at Christ Church Primary School.
"We are very concerned about the safety of our pupils and their families so we have been putting measures in place to make it safer.
"These include trying to raise awareness of how to use the School Crossing Patrol Officer safely. A lot of parents didn't realise they could cross with him, or the safest place to cross.
"We're trying everything possible to ensure the safety of our children and their families."
Initiatives include working with local police, PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) and the fire service on road safety briefings in school, and a partnership with Axa Insurance on the 'Backseat Boss' campaign where children are encouraged to give their parents road safety tips while they drive.
On Monday, Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster & Wyre, representatives from Lancashire County Council, local Road Safety Officers, Civil Enforcement Officers, and the police visited the school as part of the day of 'STOP means STOP' action, run by the county council's road safety teams.
“The vast majority of drivers are courteous and stop when instructed, but even one driver failing to do so puts lives at risk," said Ms Smith.
"School Crossing Patrol officers are community heroes who keep our children safe every day, they deserve respect and full compliance from all road users.
“Parking restrictions outside schools exist to protect children. It is vital that parents respect these rules to ensure visibility, safety, and smooth crossing for all pupils.”
Drivers are reminded that:
- It is a legal requirement to obey signals given by School Crossing Patrol officers.
- Failure to stop can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points.
- If a pedestrian is injured, further and much more serious legal consequences may follow.
The STOP means STOP campaign also urges parents and carers to support road safety by following parking rules around school gates, including not stopping on yellow zig-zag lines.
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