We live in a fast-moving world. People lead busy lives and are often travelling against the clock. That, though, is no excuse for putting at risk the lives of schoolchildren who are trying to cross roads or the "lollipop" men and women whose job is to get them safely from one side to the other.

Unfortunately the alarming experiences of some of these patrol people is causing a growing number to quit the job. Last November we told the story of Rachel Lawn who resigned from her patrol job outside Hollingwood Primary School in Bradford because she feared that one day she could be killed by an aggressive driver.

Only days after she left the job a ten-year-old boy suffered leg and back injuries in an accident outside the school, proving just how vital these people are to road safety.

Now another "lollipop" man, Yusaf Seedat, has told us of his worries on patrol outside Princeville First School where he claims some motorists actually speed up when they see him step on to the crossing to try to get past before he brings traffic to a halt.

Can't these motorists appreciate why the crossing patrols are there? Most must have children in their own families who rely on one to get them safely to and from school. If it was their child or grandchild whose life was being put at risk, they would be indignant enough - and quite rightly.

Motorists really must try to exercise more patience because if the people who protect the children are frightened off, the toll of death and injuries among youngsters will surely increase.