STOP means STOP when you see the lollipop
'STOP means STOP' when a school crossing patrol officer displays their lollipop sign, requiring drivers to halt their vehicle.
Article date: 18 September 2026
At schools across the borough, the Road Safety Team partnered up with local school crossing patrol officers to improve driver behaviour and increase safety on the roads in the communities they serve.
The team attended several local primary schools alongside Merseyside Police to engage with parents and guardians and passing motorists about road safety.
They were reminded of the law requiring drivers to stop for school crossing patrols and were given advice on being a safe and considerate driver, including keeping to safe speeds and parking responsibly around schools.
Leaflets sharing the 'Stop means STOP' message and other vital road safety information were handed out and distributed by participating schools.
Councillor Gary Edgerton, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Business, Highways and Transport, said:
"The vast majority of drivers are law-abiding, courteous, and stop as instructed. Drivers have a legal duty to understand and obey signals given at schools crossing patrols and we can't stress enough that 'STOP means STOP.' There's a real risk of serious harm otherwise to our officers and the school communities they serve.
"Failing to stop can also result in a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on your driving licence. And there may be further consequences for the driver if anyone is injured.
"It is vital that motorists respect the directions of our school crossing patrols, as well as school-adjacent parking restrictions such as zig-zag lines, which are there to ensure the safety of all children and road users.
The council also took the opportunity to promote its current school crossing patrol vacancies.
Cllr Edgerton added: "School Crossing Patrols are an integral part of our community, much-loved and well-respected. Some have even helped multiple generations of the same families to stay safe on the road. They really are community heroes and we couldn't be prouder of them. We have several opportunities within the service currently and we're keen to hear from those who feel the role could be a good fit."
The council currently has school crossing patrol vacancies at:
- St Mary's Catholic Primary, Blackbrook
- Oakdene Primary Academy, Rainhill, Warrington Road
- Broad Oak Community Primary/Holy Spirit Catholic Primary, Derbyshire Hill Road - Provident Street
- St Mary's Catholic Juniors, Earlestown
- St Theresa's Catholic Primary, Devon Street/Rivington Road
Find vacancy details online at: https://jobs.sthelens.gov.uk/
School Crossing Patrol provision in St Helens is assessed in accordance with the council's adopted School Crossing Patrol Policy. Patrol locations are regularly reviewed using nationally recognised criteria to ensure resources are targeted where evidence demonstrates the greatest need. Alongside school crossing patrols, the council continues to support safer journeys to school through a range of road safety education, awareness campaigns and partnership working.
ENDS