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Lollipopcam on our roads

by Adam Derbyshire
1/10/2008

LOLLIPOP lady Ann Swann has spent 20 years making sure children cross the road safely.

Now, with a little help from the Advertiser, she will get the technology to keep an eye on her after she was almost knocked down — twice.

Tiny cameras can be hidden in lollipops to catch renegade motorists. Fitted to either side of the pole, they record clear video and sound and capture footage on film.

After we highlighted the issue, Tameside Council has agreed to pilot the hi-tech lollipops in the borough.

With a £900 price tag, the state-of-the-art lollipops don’t come cheap, but if reckless drivers continue to flout the rules it could end up costing a child their life, Ann says.

The grandma-of-11 said: "A minority of motorists see me as an inconvenience rather than a necessity. It’s not just my life they put at risk, but the children’s too."

Police are aware of the problems and have stepped up patrols at the crossing outside Lyndhurst Primary School in Crescent Road, Dukinfield.

PCSO Karolyn McLoughlin said: "It’s unacceptable and it’s not just drivers. A cyclist has already been hauled before magistrates for refusing to stop and shouting abuse."

The Local Authority Association says 1,400 patrol staff are victims of road rage each year, despite the fact that a lollipop is legally identical to a red traffic light. Drivers disobeying lollipop patrols face a £1,000 fine or three points

Ann, 55, added: "I’ve helped generations cross safely here but it is getting increasingly dangerous. I’d like to see cameras fitted to all lollipops. It’d be a real deterrent."

Mum Lindsay Kerwin, 24, said: "Ann is here come rain, snow, wind and shine. She does a fantastic job and deserves the best equipment."

The idea for the ‘lollipopcam’ came from a Manchester crossing patrol officer who stuck a camcorder to his lollipop to record motorists who didn’t stop.

Councillor Alan Whitehead, transport spokesman, said: "Since the matter was brought to our attention, I can confirm we intend to purchase a couple of the hi-tech lollipops. The scheme will be piloted at several locations across borough."