Lollipop officers in Suffolk will now wear body cameras after multiple incidents of abuse from motorists.
The county council have rolled out the new policy to staff on all 55 school crossing patrols.
Incidents have included an officer being verbally abused by a teenage cyclist in Ipswich after asking him to dismount from his bike, as well as another officer having abuse hurled at him from a vehicle after it was stopped to allow children to cross the road safely.
A lollipop lady was also verbally abused by a man who then spat on the footpath towards her.
A trial of a small number of body-worn cameras has resulted in successful prosecutions of those abusing lollipop staff.
Although mostly associated with helping children cross the road safely, lollipop officers also have the legal authority to stop traffic for any pedestrian.
Motorists who fail to stop when signalled by a school crossing patrol risk a fine of up to £1,000 and incur three penalty points.
In more serious cases, a driving ban can also be incurred.
Suffolk council has launched a six-week awareness campaign which includes advertising on the back of buses, radio adverts on Heart Suffolk and social media content.
Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for transport strategy, said: “We’ve launched ‘Lollipops Aren’t Just For Children’ to remind drivers to slow down, be patient, and show respect at patrol points.
“While most drivers follow the rules, some continue to ignore stop signals and verbally abuse crossing patrol officers, people – including children – using the crossing, and other motorists who are doing what they are supposed to.
“This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable and by launching this awareness campaign to remind people of their responsibilities, together we can help make Suffolk’s roads safer for everyone.”
Body-worn cameras were previously handed out to school crossing patrols in Greater Manchester and Clacton and Basildon for similar reasons.
Keith Welham, a Suffolk county councillor, added: “It’s terrible that it has come to this. Some of the abuse these officers have received is horrific, and a lot of it is down to impatience and bad manners.
“I can’t understand why someone would treat their friendly crossing patrol officer like this. It is a real shame it has come to this, but we need to keep officers safe.”
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