School crossing patrollers across Bucks are experiencing abuse and being put in danger by irresponsible drivers.

The "small army" of 60 lollipop men and women employed across Buckinghamshire are being targeted by a minority of abusive and dangerous drivers, Bucks Council has revealed.

A new council-launched campaign, 'Respect Me', will encourage drivers to be more considerate towards the patrollers - some of whom have been subjected to abusive language.

Others have been put in danger by irresponsible motorists not stopping but swerving round patrollers whilst they were standing in the road trying to guide children across. 

Current legislation states that drivers must stop when they are shown the lollipop 'STOP' sign and failing to do so can result in a £1,000 fine, three penalty points and a period of disqualification.

The council has also shined a light on obstructive behaviour to discourage drivers from blocking pavements and stopping at inconvenient locations to drop off their children.

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Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Minister for Transport, said: "Our lollipop men and women are valuable members of our local school communities and are well-loved and appreciated by the pupils and parents they help.

"We know that the majority of drivers are considerate but it seems that the minority are choosing to ignore the Highway Code and could be putting lives in danger."

Adding: "We will always have a zero-tolerance approach to behaviour with threatens the physical or mental wellbeing of our crossing patroller staff, or which compromises the safety of those crossing the road."

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It comes after Buckinghamshire Council's longest-serving lollipop lady, Christine Walker, celebrated 40 years of helping schoolchildren cross the road in February of this year. 

Speaking at the time, she said: "I love welcoming the children into school each day and have enjoyed watching them grow up and then bringing their own children and grandchildren along to the school." 

A council representative praised her for helping people to cross the road safely "with a smile on her face and a cheery greeting whatever the weather". 

To report any incidents involving school crossing patrollers in Aylesbury Vale and West Wycombe, residents should contact Corinne Randall on 01296 383 432.

For incidents in Chiltern, South Bucks or East Wycombe, they should get in touch with Georgina Longley on 01494 586 639.