A CAMPAIGN aimed at drivers who fail to stop, or are rude to school crossing patrol officers is taking place across the county this month.Stop Means Stop is run in association with all local authorities in the eastern region and will help make drivers aware that patrol officers have the same legal powers to stop traffic as the police.

A CAMPAIGN aimed at drivers who fail to stop, or are rude to school crossing patrol officers is taking place across the county this month.

Stop Means Stop is run in association with all local authorities in the eastern region and will help make drivers aware that patrol officers have the same legal powers to stop traffic as the police.

Drivers should be aware that changes to the 2001 Road Traffic Act means they can also stop traffic to cross all pedestrians, not just children.

In the last year Suffolk County Council's road safety team has received a number of complaints about the selfish behaviour of some drivers.

The complaints include failing to stop, driving around the patrol officer when they are on the road, using abusive language, threatening physical violence and loudly revving the engine while the patrol officer and children are in the road.

David Chenery, road safety group manager, said; ''School crossing patrol officers play a vital role in ensuring school children are provided with a safe route to and from school, they should be able to do this without fear of intimidation and threatening behaviour from inconsiderate motorists.

“Drivers should remember that if their car journey takes them through a patrolled area they should allow a bit of extra time, slow down and be prepared and willing to stop when requested to do so by the patrol officer.'