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Lollipop patrols are disappearing, and parents are fighting back

By Mathilda Bartholomew | July 8, 2025

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Councils are cutting school crossing patrols across the UK, sparking safety concerns as road deaths rise. Here’s why parents are fighting back.

Lollipop patrols are disappearing, and parents are fighting back

Across the UK, families are pushing back against council cuts that are phasing out school crossing patrol officers, better known as lollipop men and women.

Why does it matter? Because despite modern road tech and crossings, new police data shows 413 pedestrians were killed in 2024, up 2% from 2023. Kids under 16 made up 4% of those deaths and 10% of all injuries. That’s one in four road deaths involving someone just trying to cross the street.

Yet in the past decade, the number of lollipop patrols has halved, even though many parents argue they’re more relevant than ever. They’re not just a nice tradition; they’re a safety net for kids navigating increasingly busy roads.

Croydon Council is the latest to scrap patrols. From the end of this term, six schools will lose their crossing officers. One local parent said, “This decision leaves me worried for the future safety of our children. The presence of lollipop men and women is essential.”

The council said most patrols were already gone and that new crossings, one permanent and three temporary, would replace them after risk assessments.

Elsewhere in the UK, frustrated parents are taking matters into their own hands, launching online petitions and campaigns to reverse the cuts.

In Scotland, Diana Finnigan, whose 10-year-old grandson goes to Dalbeattie Primary, is trying to stop Dumfries and Galloway Council from axing their patrols. Her petition has already pulled in 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.”

The council confirmed it’s removing patrol staff from crossings with lights and said it’s planning to let parents know soon.

How bad is it really?

Road safety charity Brake says 16 primary-aged kids are injured on UK roads every day. They’re calling for a blanket 20mph speed limit outside all schools.

While they agree lollipop patrols help, Brake says the key issue is making sure something safe is in place, whether that’s a crossing officer, proper signage, or traffic lights that actually work.

Where did lollipop patrols come from?

They’ve been around since the 1930s. Mary Hunt, a school caretaker in Bath, is often credited as the first ‘lollipop lady’ after she started helping kids cross in 1937.

It wasn’t until 1963 that school crossing patrols became official law. The iconic ‘lollipop’ sign came in the 1960s, followed by the bright yellow coat in the '70s.

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