Lollipop to help school children to cross road

 

Lollipop in Ingley Barwick.

The School Crossing Patrol Service was first introduced for Primary (in the UK children aged 4-11 years) schoolchildren in the UK in the 1950s. They were provided by the police, but are now employed by local councils. Even where a School Crossing Patrol is provided, parents remain responsible for ensuring their children's safety.

Usually between 8.30am2 and 9am; and 3.20pm to 3.45pm, the Patrol stands on the pavement3 near the school and waits for children to arrive. Time should be allowed for latecomers, especially as they are more likely to take risks crossing the road. They wait for a break in traffic, then step out to the middle of the road, holding a pole with a 'Stop: Children' sign in their right hand. A new style lollipop sign now in use has the symbol for children instead of the word 'Children'.
When the Patrol is waiting in the middle of the road, arms outstretched to hold up any approaching traffic, only then are children allowed to cross, in front of the Patrol. The Patrol returns to the pavement once the last child in the group has crossed safely, and repeats this action many times each session.

The lollipop sign must be displayed clearly when controlling traffic, and it is part of their duties to keep the sign clean. All vehicles should be allowed sufficient time to stop safely, especially heavy vehicles. Under conditions of ice, wet or poor visibility, more time must be allowed. When returning to the path the sign must still be held upright. On the path the sign should be upside down or turned away from traffic so that motorists are not confused.

It is the responsibility of the Patrol to care for their own uniform and keep it clean. Failure to wear the uniform of long, high-visibility (fluorescent material) coat to the latest European standard, means that a Patrol is operating illegally and may become personally responsible for any subsequent claims.