"Deeply Irresponsible" Drivers Endanger Children as 435 Failures to Stop for School Crossing Patrols Recorded in Five Weeks

Rochdale, UK – Rochdale Borough Council has issued a stern warning to motorists after revealing a shocking surge in drivers ignoring school crossing patrols, with a staggering 435 incidents recorded in just five weeks. The council has labelled the behaviour, "deeply irresponsible", and highlighted the grave danger it poses to children, their families, and the crossing patrol staff themselves.

The most concerning hotspots for these dangerous encounters have been identified in Sandy Lane, where 85 drivers failed to stop, and Sheriff Street, with 68 recorded incidents. Other affected areas include Whitworth Road (55 incidents) and Birch Avenue (39 incidents).

Each instance of a driver neglecting to stop for a school crossing patrol has been reported to Greater Manchester Police. Over the past year, a number of these drivers have received police cautions as a consequence of their actions.

In a forceful statement, the council emphasised the severity of the issue: "Failing to stop for a school crossing patrol is not only illegal, it’s potentially deadly. Our patrol officers are there to protect children and families. Ignoring their authority puts lives at risk".

The council's announcement has elicited a mixed reaction on social media. While many residents express outrage at the drivers' behaviour, some have voiced concerns about the practices of certain crossing patrols, attributing some near-misses and confusion to their methods.

Samantha Barlow commented on Facebook, suggesting: "Some patrols need a bit of training too and not just given a stick. Our lollipop stops traffic while the kids and parents are still five minutes down the road."

Janet Mason highlighted visibility issues on Whitworth Road, stating that parked cars and bin collections create dangerous conditions. She proposed: "Maybe they should be on the other side of the road helping people to cross".

Kelly Lawn echoed concerns about Sheriff Street, noting: "The patrol could do with being moved down a little further before another accident occurs, I see near misses every day".

Despite these varying perspectives, the council's core message remains clear: the safety of children is paramount, and drivers have a legal and moral obligation to obey school crossing patrols. Residents are urged to report any instances of dangerous driving or unsafe crossing behaviour directly to both Rochdale Borough Council and Greater Manchester Police.