This month marked the re-launch of Hampshire County Council’s failed “Stop Means Stop” campaign.
The campaign, originally launched two years ago, is designed to highlight the need for motorists to stop when requested to do so by school crossing patrols. However, it has so far proved unsuccessful as multiple reports of drivers failing to stop continue to be reported. One serious incident was also reported last year, resulting in school crossing patrolman David Francis unable to walk unaided, and reliant on medication.
“I found being a school crossing patrol an extremely rewarding job. The children learn that they must concentrate when crossing the road, and they rely on you to help them cross safely. I’m thankful every day that the children weren’t hurt, but it deeply saddens me that children saw me lying injured in the road. A few seconds earlier and the outcome could have been far worse” says Francis.
These reported cases highlight the debate to whether the campaign will work ever after its re-launch, or whether another method is needed. Focus will also turn to how the council plan to make the campaign more effective this time around. A press release issued by the council states that the campaign will be advertised on buses and broadcast on radio stations across Hampshire. It remains to be seen whether this re-vamp will help the campaign highlight the problem effectively, but judging from the previous failure of the movement, the council will have to think up stronger ideas to advertise if any progress is going to be made.
