Pencils point way to road safety

Huge brightly coloured 'pencils' are being installed at four school crossing patrol sites across south Manchester.

The eye-catching red and yellow structures help identify crossing patrols to passing motorists and youngsters at neighbouring schools.

Several schools have been chosen because they have seen an increasing number of drive-throughs - in which motorists keep driving after lollipop patrols have signalled them to stop. Some patrols have been injured in drive-throughs, and children's lives are also put at risk.

The three-metre high pencil-shaped bollards are being used in nine areas of Manchester after the road safety measure was successfully used on the continent.

"The pencils are made from a durable, highly visible material and are placed on the pavement at each side of the crossing," said councillor Richard Cowell. "As well as warning motorists of the presence of the crossing patrol, they are intended to increase public awareness of the dangers associated with speeding or parking near the site."

The initiative is part of a continuing road safety awareness campaign launched in September by the council's Road Safety Team and Collision Investigation Unit.

For further information contact Chris Firby, c.firby@notes.manchester.gov.uk