Families across the UK are campaigning to stem the decline in school crossing patrol officers, otherwise known as lollipop men and women, in the face of council cutbacks.
They argue the roles are still needed, given that new police data released in June reported that 413 pedestrians were killed in 2024, an increase of 2% compared with 2023, amounting to a quarter of all road-related deaths. People aged 16 years and under accounted for 4% of these deaths and 10% of those injured.
The figures have been released against a background of reductions in school crossing patrols, the numbers of which have halved in the past 10 years but which their supporters insist make roads safer for children.
Croydon Council is one of the latest to scrap its lollipop patrollers, with schools losing them at the end of the current term.
“This decision leaves me worried for the future safety of our children,” said a parent of children attending one of the six affected schools. “The presence of lollipop men and women is essential.”
A Croydon Council spokesperson said “most patrols were phased out many years ago” and risk assessments for the remaining sites will result in a new permanent crossing at one and temporary crossings at three more.
Elsewhere, alarmed by the withdrawal of their schools’ crossing officers, concerned parents around the country have taken to campaign platforms to rally support for their reinstatement.
Among them is one to save the crossing officer at Dalbeattie High School near Dumfries in Scotland, which also has a nursery and a primary school nearby.
Diana Finnigan, whose 10-year-old grandson attends the primary school, is opposing the council’s decision to withdraw crossing staff and has started an online petition that has so far attracted 500 signatures.
“I live close to the school and see every day how dangerous the roads outside it are for children,” she said. “Local councillors say the children can use the light-controlled crossings but you can’t assume every child, especially young ones, will. Some just ignore the lights and dash across, risking their lives. I’ve seen cars jump the lights too.”
A spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Council confi rmed its intention to withdraw crossing patrol officers from the school. “Elected members of the council chose to remove crossing patrol staff from automated crossings,” he said. “Council offi cers are preparing communications so that parents and carers are aware of the changes.”
