Parents 'set a bad example at pelican crossings'

Date: 24/8/2010

Parents who use pelican crossings with their children when the red man is illuminated are setting a bad example to youngsters, it has been suggested.

Paul Nuttall, MEP for the UK Independence Party, said it is crucial parents lead the way correctly on road safety issues.

He commented he has seen adults, predominantly fathers, walking across the road with young children before the green man has appeared an unbelievable number of times.

And while the situation may not have been dangerous on that occasion, Mr Nuttall continued, another time the child could follow the same principle with fatal consequences.

"A few seconds of waiting for the lights to change - so teaching their offspring the safe way to cross the road - is one of the best lessons parents can give," he added.

Scottish motorists in Tayside were recently warned by police to take extra care when driving as the new school term begins, because children might step into the road unexpectedly, the Press and Journal reported.

Posted by Sarah Bailey