Body-worn video for school crossing patrols

School crossing patrols (SCPs) across South Tyneside are being issued with body cameras to help improve road safety and crackdown on drivers who fail to stop. South Tyneside Council says while the majority of drivers respect SCPs, a small minority are impatient, can be abusive or simply ignore the signal to stop.

The cameras, which will be worn by SCPs while on duty, will help the council to monitor driver behaviour at school crossing points while pedestrians are being helped across the road.

Cllr Ernest Gibson, lead member for transport and neighbourhoods at South Tyneside Council, said: “Road safety is a key priority for us and we are always looking at what more we can do to reduce the risk to all drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.

“The majority of drivers respect our school crossing patrol officers and the safety of the children and families they help cross the road on the extremely busy school run.

“However, there is a small minority who are impatient, can be abusive or simply ignore the signal to stop when approaching these areas. The body cameras will help to record any incidents with the footage passed on to the police to determine whether an offence has been committed.”