CHILDREN'S lives are being put at risk by impatient drivers who ignore school crossing patrols, it has been revealed.

Motorists in Bournemouth regularly drive straight through as a lollipop man or woman is helping youngsters across the road.

And some are even abusive to those helping to keep children safe outside the borough's schools.

Road safety chiefs in the town spoke out after councils in other parts of the UK revealed plans to use high-tech cameras hidden in the "lollipops" to catch offenders.

Those identified could face fines up to £1,000 and three penalty points on their licence.

John Satchwell, Bournemouth road safety manager, said: "We have been watching this development with interest as we too have experienced some instances of abuse and inappropriate driver behaviour.

"The safety of our crossing patrols is of utmost importance and we would consider introducing such measures at particular sites, especially if conditions were to deteriorate."

Road safety officer Claire Elkins said some drivers ignore crossings deliberately because they are in a hurry, but others are simply not concentrating.

"Many of them are on auto-pilot, perhaps on their way to work or thinking about what they are going to have for dinner.

"There are 46 patrols in Bournemouth and they have all seen examples of this," she said.

Borough of Poole spokesman Nick Phillips said the number of incidents in the borough is "very low" but said if the situation changes they may consider the new high-tech lollipops.

And Rob Camp of Dorset County Council said the idea is good in principle but added that the £1,000 cost of each sign may be prohibitive.