New campaign to help protect a rare breed
Last year Warwickshire County Council began a breeding programme to help stop the decline of the Yellow Capped School Crossing Patrol but they now need the help of all road users to help protect stocks.
Drivers are being urged to “THINK YELLOW” in a new awareness campaign launched this week. School Crossing Patrols are allowed to stop traffic by law, but some drivers are ignoring the signal to stop. In doing so they are committing an offence and could face a fine of up to £1,000 plus an endorsement on their licence.
Stan Milewski, Senior Road Safety Officer, said: “Many drivers may be unaware that crossing patrols help adults as well as children to cross the road safely. In order to secure the future of this wonderful breed, we all need to be vigilant, particularly on weekdays during term time. They play a vital role in protecting our young but in doing so they become vulnerable themselves.
“It’s simple, if you see the yellow coat and cap, approach slowly and be prepared to stop. The Yellow Capped School Crossing Patrol is alive and well in Warwickshire and we want to make sure it stays that way.”
Found near schools, male and female Patrols are most active early in the morning and mid afternoon so drivers and riders are asked to take extra care during these times. Easily identified by their distinctive yellow coat and cap, numbers of this rare breed have now begun to stabilise after a recruitment campaign last year, but they are still an endangered species.
Radio and bus advertisements are being used to get the message across and drivers are being encouraged to show their support by displaying yellow conservation stickers in their cars.
For your free car sticker, please contact Annabel Matharu, 01926 412253.