Suffolk County Council says bodycams will be rolled out to 55 school crossing patrols following a spate of abuse across the county.

Among the recent incidents was an officer in St Margarets Road, Lowestoft, being abused by a man who spat on the floor towards her.

Meanwhile, in Cliff Lane, Ipswich, another officer was abused by a teenage cyclist after politely asking him to dismount from his bike, while a patrol in Maidstone Road, near Felixstowe, was screamed at by a driver.

Andy and Lynne run a patrol in Ipswich. (Image: SCC)

Andy, a lollipop man based in Foxhall Road, Ipswich, said: "You get some people who will shout and scream obscenities.

"It does get you down after a while."

Meanwhile, Ian, who started as a lollipop man in Bury St Edmunds after he was diagnosed with a terminal illness, says the abuse can sometimes ruin his job.

The council is emphasising that the signs also apply to adults waiting to cross as well as children, and that it is a legal obligation to stop with a fine of up to £ 1,000 for failing to stop.

Lynne says the abuse she has experienced in Ipswich is "scary". (Image: SCC)

Lynne, another officer who also works in Ipswich, added: "It's scary for us and it's certainly scary for the parents and the children. "

Fiona, based in Lowestoft, added: "We do have drivers that will zoom round me to go and pick up a child, which is bizarre.

"Part of your job is being nice to people, which comes naturally, and when people are nasty, it hurts."

The three have asked not have their last names used out of fear of further abuse.

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What are the council doing?

Suffolk County Council are planning changes to keep officers safer. (Image: SCC)

A six-week awareness campaign is now being carried out by Suffolk County Council on the issue, with adverts on the back of buses, radio adverts and targeted social media advertising.

The bodycams will now be issued to all officers following a trial which saw a number of successful prosecutions following incidents.

Councillor Keith Welham, Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent Group spokesperson for highways, public transport and rural services. (Image: SCC)

Councillor Keith Welham, the Green Party spokesperson for highways, public transport and rural services, added: "It's terrible that it has come to this.

"Some of the abuse these officers have received is horrific, and a lot of it is down to impatience and bad manners.

"I can't understand why someone would treat their friendly crossing patrol officer like this."

Cllr Welham noted that he previously worked as a school crossing patrol manager in Essex and regularly dealt with abuse.

He also says that in one instance, a driver drove into one of the officers during an altercation.

"It is a real shame it has come to this, but we need to keep officers safe", he added.

Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for transport strategy. (Image: Chris Chambers)

Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for transport strategy, sats that the campaign supports the council's wider road safety and active travel strategy and that the patrols play a vital role in enabling safe streets.

He said: “This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable and by launching this awareness campaign to remind people of their responsibilities, together we can help make Suffolk’s roads safer for everyone.”

© Eastern Daily Press