2 irresponsible drivers who failed to stop for a school crossing patrol in Bury Old Road have had their vehicles seized by police.
The incidents took place on Tuesday, 13 and Wednesday, 14 October 2026, with school crossing patrol, Barry, having to move out of the way to avoid the vehicles, a moped and a silver Skoda, even though he was already standing in the road. Fortunately, nobody was injured in the incident.
The matter was reported to police, who used new powers under section 59 of the police reform act 2002, to seize the vehicles after collecting evidence, including witness statements.
Cars and other vehicles failing to stop for school crossing patrols is a growing problem, with 137 fail to stops reported across Rochdale borough over the past 5 years.
Body worn cameras are now being used in hotspot areas to try to deter dangerous driving and support prosecutions where needed.
Councillor Dylan Williams, cabinet member for highways and facilities, said:
“It beggars belief that somebody would see a school crossing patrol clearly standing in the middle of the road and continue to drive. Frankly I’m appalled.
“We would like to thank GMP for their quick and decisive action and I think it’s a really good result.
“We will not compromise on the safety of our schoolchildren, their parents and carers and our school crossing patrols. Being able to get to and from school safely and to be able to go about your job without fear is the very least anyone should have the right to expect. That’s why we will continue to report incidents to the police and to push for prosecutions wherever possible.”
School crossing patrols across Rochdale borough have recently been issued with new coats which will make them even more visible as the nights start to draw in.
Nicola Mcilvenney, the council’s school crossing patrol supervisor, said: “Our school crossing patrols do an extraordinary job and I’m relieved that nobody was hurt in these incidents. It could have easily been a tragedy.
“We would like to remind drivers to be extra vigilant, particularly as it gets darker in the evenings. As soon as the school crossing patrol raises their stick, it’s time to stop. As we always say, slow and steady wins the race."
Paul Clarke, traffic Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) team leader at Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said: “There are a number of offences related to failing to stop for a school crossing patrol, and, having considered all the circumstances here and looking at the evidence, we felt that seizure of the vehicles was appropriate.
“School crossing patrol officers play a vital role in protecting children and other pedestrians and drivers are reminded that when a school crossing patrol officer displays the stop sign, all traffic must stop.”