Motor insurance specialist, Churchill Insurance, has launched a nationwide campaign to identify schools in need of a Lollipopper and have pledged to recruit and deploy 50 in areas of need for the next school year – a campaign that comes at a time when Isle of Wight Lollipop men and women are at risk.
The campaign, launched by actor and father-of-two, Robert Webb, will give the public the opportunity to nominate a primary school they feel is in need of a Lollipopper before 50 are selected by representatives from Churchill, road safety charity Brake and leading parent champions PTA UK.
Since UK legislation was introduced in 2000 stating that Lollipoppers were no longer a legal requirement for schools, an increasing number of the iconic lollipop men and women have been taken off the road even though over half of child pedestrian casualties occur during the school run.
Once the 50 schools are selected, Churchill will then recruit, train and fund each Lollipopper for the 2016/17 school year with members of the public being encouraged to apply for the role to help bring much needed safety to school crossings throughout the UK.
Members of the public have until Monday 16th May to nominate a primary school by visiting www.churchill.com/lollipoppers. The 50 selected schools will then be announced by Friday 10th June before each Lollipopper is recruited from the local community, fully trained and on the road for the new school year in September.
On launching the campaign, Robert Webb said:
“Being a dad I’m always concerned for my children’s safety, especially during the school run when they can be easily distracted. I remember my Lollipopper growing up, Barbara, and the influence she had on me at the school crossing and I want to be safe in the knowledge my kids have the same guardian keeping an eye on them. I’m delighted to help Churchill to get Lollipoppers on the streets of Britain!”
For more information, to nominate a school near you or to find out how you can become a Lollipopper, visit www.churchill.com/lollipoppers.
