Drivers across Tameside reminded to 'Stop for the Lollipop'

Drivers across Tameside are being reminded to stop to give way to school crossing patrol officers so they can safely guide children and their families across the road.

The ‘Stop means STOP’ message is at the centre of a regional road safety day of action taking place on Thursday 17 September 2026, led by North West road safety teams and local authority partners including Tameside Council.

Road safety teams will work alongside police officers to talk to parents, guardians and motorists about road safety, parking and speed near schools.

Drivers are reminded of their legal duty to stop for school crossing patrols -  or lolliop men and women as they are often called -  and they are encouraged to drive safely and considerately, including keeping to safe speeds and parking responsibly.

Failing to stop when a school crossing patrol displays the stop sign is an offence that can result in a £1,000 fine, three penalty points, and disqualification.

Rosehill Primary School in Ashton are supporting the day of action by helping to share the message with parents, carers and their school community.

Tameside Council Executive Member Cllr Stephen Homer, who is responsible for road safety, said: “School crossing patrollers are true community heroes and play an important role in helping to keep children safe as they walk to and from school. Drivers have a key part to play also and I urge them to stop to give way to the crossing patrols while also keeping within speed limits and parking responsibly, not least when in the vicinity of schools.

“I also urge parents and carers to respect parking restrictions, including zig-zag lines, which are there to help keep children safe.”

The day of action forms part of a wider effort to promote safer, more considerate driving around schools and protect children, school crossing patrol officers and other vulnerable road users.