A SCHOOL hopes a new crossing patrol camera will encourage motorists to think about their driving speeds.

Summerlea Community Primary in Rustington is the latest school in the county to trial the body camera to try to improve safety for pupils and their families.

Assistant headteacher Karla Strong said: “We are hoping it will make drivers slow down and think carefully about their actions on a very busy stretch of Worthing Road.

“On occasion Joan, our crossing patrol lady, has been subjected to some near misses and we want to ensure that both she and our families are safe – something our school Travel Plan team always strives for.”

West Sussex County Council’s School Crossing Patrol team, working in conjunction with Sussex Police, encourages schools to use body cameras to deter “drive throughs” and abusive behaviour outside school gates.

The cameras are worn across the chest to capture audio and video of motorists driving dangerously, or being abusive towards patrols as they help children and parents across the road.