MONMOUTH MP David Davies has backed a nationwide campaign highlighting the importance of school crossing patrols.
The Kwik Fit Insurance Lollipop Person of the Year campaign, which is open to all primary schools in the UK, aims to find Britain’s favourite lollipop person. It also highlights the importance of having adequate supervision for children who have to cross roads on the way to school.
A UK-wide survey of schoolchildren, commissioned by Kwik Fit Insurance, underlines the dangers children face on their daily journey to and from school. The research revealed that 40 per cent of pupils between the age of seven and 14, or 2.2 million children, are risking their lives running across the road without looking. Even more concerning was the fact that 1.1million pupils admitted to running across the road without checking for traffic all the time.
Mr Davies said: “This campaign demonstrates the important role our lollipop people play in our communities and I’d encourage schools in the area to take the opportunity to shout about that.
“Roads are becoming increasingly busy and as long as children walk to school we have to recognise the vital job carried out by lollipop people in helping pupils safely across the road.”
According to the most recent Government figures, 1,660 child pedestrians were killed or seriously injured in road accidents in 2009.
Nominations for the Kwik Fit Insurance Lollipop Person of the Year Awards 2010 will close on Friday, 19th November. More information and entry details can be found at www.bestlollipop.co.uk.