LOLLIPOPPERS LAUNCH – 50 EXTRA LOLLIPOP MEN AND WOMEN FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR
by Andrew M Collins
Motor Insurance Specialist Churchill Insurance, together with road safety charity Brake and PTA UK have teamed up to recruit and train 50 extra lollipop men and women to start in the next school year.
The well known insurance company has launched a nationwide campaign to identify schools in need of a Lollipopper. Members of the public will be able to nominate their local primary school.
The actor and father of two Robert Webb is helping to launch the campaign to add 50 extra ‘Guardians of the School Crossings’ to our roads. He said of the campaign: ‘Being a dad I’m always concerned for my children’s safety, especially during the school run when they can be easily distracted.
I remember my Lollipopper growing up, Barbara, and the influence she had on me at the school crossing and I want to be safe in the knowledge my kids have the same guardian keeping an eye on them. I’m delighted to help Churchill to get Lollipoppers on the streets of Britain!‘
Since UK legislation was introduced in 2000 stating that Lollipoppers were no longer a legal requirement for schools, an increasing number of the iconic lollipop men and women have been taken off the road even though over half (55%) of child pedestrian casualties occur during the school run (Road Safety Analysis Research, 2016).
The public has until Monday 16th May to nominate a primary school by visiting: : www.churchill.com/lollipoppers
Representatives from Churchill will chose 50 schools from all the nominations then fund, recruit and train the new Lollipoppers, who will start their role for the 2016/17 school year. They are also encouraging younger people to apply for the role.
The selected schools will be announced by Friday 10th June.
For further information on road safety, visit: http://www.brake.org.uk/info-and-resources/facts-advice-research/road-safety-facts/15-facts-a-resources/facts/474-the-decline-in-school-crossing-patrols
