'Drivers won't stop when you put your stick out'
BBCA lollipop lady is fighting back after a number of close calls with motorists while helping schoolchildren cross the road.
Maureen Seaton said she was shocked when a man driving towards her outside Coatham Primary School, in Redcar, sped up when she stepped out into the road with her stop sign.
She recorded it on a body cam and reported the driver to the police, who were able to prosecute.
"We do even have drivers who won't stop when you put your stick out, which I think is really disrespectful," she said.
Ms Seaton is now calling on other motorists to drive safely near schools and pay attention to other crossing patrol officers.
"Please, as you approach the school, please just slow down and think of the children crossing the road," she said.
"Just reduce your speed."
The driver was convicted at Teesside Magistrates' Court for failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver of a vehicle and fined £660.
He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £264, court costs of £90 and received six penalty points on his licence.
Ms Seaton began recording her crossings after a number of close calls with drivers.
"About two or three years ago a motorbike came up and he was just waving me out of the way," she said.
"I had to get the children out of the road really quickly and he just went straight past."
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council deputy leader Carrie Richardson said patrol officers were vital to protecting children outside schools.
"Our message to drivers is to respect school crossing patrol officers at all times and if they do drive towards them in a threatening manner, or do anything criminal, the police are here to protect them," she said.
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