DRIVERS who are abusive to lollipop ladies and fail to stop at crossings are being targeted in a new campaign.

Cambridgeshire County Council’s road safety team has received nine reports since April of motorists failing to stop - putting the lives of crossing patrols and children at risk.

Other complaints have included using abusive language, threatening the patrol with physical violence and trying to intimidate by loudly revving the engine while children were in the road.

The “Stop Means Stop” campaign, launched by the county council’s crossing patrol service, reminds drivers that they are required by law to stop for school crossing patrols.

Failure to do so can lead to a �1,000 fine and three penalty points.

In cases where the driver has been in their vehicle and behaved in an anti-social manner, the police can issue a Section 59 notice which can lead to the vehicle being seized.

The campaign will be promoted with 6,000 car stickers, leaflets and posters sent to all reception year schoolchildren.

Andy Swallowe, the county council’s school crossing patrol service 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.

“Last year in the UK there were 7,000 reported incidents, which is totally unacceptable.

“Drivers must remember that if their car journey takes them through a patrolled area, allow extra time, slow down and be prepared and willing to stop when requested to do so by the school crossing patrol.”

Anyone wishing to display a car sticker should contact 01223 699356.