The West Midlands and the North West were the worst-hit regions, with drops of 386 and 378 respectively, while Wales had 250 fewer school crossing patrol officers, with Scotland losing 163 Paul Watson, Chairman of Road Safety GB North East said “School Crossing Patrols provide an invaluable service, escorting children and adults across busy roads to school safely. Drivers who put the lives of children or patrols at risk must be dealt with, and will be reported to the Police” She says it’s the children she meets that make being a lollipop lady such as enjoyable job. “They kids are great. They tell you everything, they’re like open books. It’s a lot of fun,” says Wendy, who lives a short walk away from her post.

Motorists should look out for signs or flashing amber lights which warn of a School Crossing Patrol ahead and be prepared to stop. Lollipop people, or school crossing patrols (SCPs) as they are now known, have been around for many years. The first one was Mrs Hunt, who was appointed by Bath City Council in 1937 and worked outside Kingsmead School. The concept gained ground in the late 1940s and 'lolliop people' became a friendly and familiar sight across the UK. And while the operatives themselves have decreased, there has been a reported increase in aggressive behaviour towards them by drivers, prompting many to be issued with cameras.

Save our lollipop people

Should you try to sneak through while the lollipop operative is making his or her way into the road, you risk being hit with an immediate three points on your licence, which stays there for four years. Nine times out of 10 drivers are respectful and stop but on the odd occasion you get someone who takes no notice of the sign. You can’t do anything about that,” said Mr Burling, who still cycles to his post every morning and is one of 53 crossing patrol wardens in Sandwell. In 2000, a change in law meant crossing patrols were no longer a legal requirement for schools, which led to a reduction in numbers nationally. The number of crossing patrols has dropped since 2000 Recent figures issued by the GMB union suggested there were around 5,000 operatives employed by councils in England, Wales and Scotland. He is there every weekday morning, lunchtime and afternoon ready to assist youngsters making their way to Lightwoods Primary School and nearby nurseries.

However, one of the most significant barriers for children walking to school is crossing the road safely. Parents with older children who could potentially walk to school will be reassured by the presence of an SCP who will watch out for the children at the most dangerous part of their journey, namely crossing the road. They know that the SCP is both authorised to stop traffic and trained not to lead children across until it is completely safe. By the 1950s, more and more councils were recruiting ‘lollipoppers’ to keep youngsters safe on their way to the classroom.Remember, when you are not driving you are a pedestrian, so treat the crossings with care and attention, and follow the appropriate safety rules. The number of 'lollipop people' safeguarding our roads is sadly dropping. School Crossing Patrols are a discretionary rather than statutory service and over the past decade they have been facing cuts by cash-strapped councils.

NID cookie, set by Google, is used for advertising purposes; to limit the number of times the user sees an ad, to mute unwanted ads, and to measure the effectiveness of ads. This sign may also be situated actually on a zebra or light controlled crossing, or just on the roadway, so it’s important to be aware at all times. What to be aware of when you see the school crossing patrol road sign: I enjoy being out in the open air and interacting with the community. I get to see the children grow up and I know I’m helping the community,” said the 66-year-old, who is on duty rain or shine.The good old British weather can make it a challenge at times but Wendy says she enjoys being outside in the fresh air.