Lollipop lady

Lollipop Lady

A Lollipop Lady or Lollipop Man is a term used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia to describe a person who assists children to cross roads safely near schools. The term is derived from the large sign, resembling a lollipop, that they hold to control traffic.

History

The role of the Lollipop Lady or Man was first introduced in the United Kingdom in the 1960s as a response to growing concerns about road safety. The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967 made provisions for the employment of these individuals by local authorities.

Role and Responsibilities

The primary role of a Lollipop Lady or Man is to ensure the safe passage of children across roads, particularly in areas with heavy traffic or limited visibility. They are typically employed by local authorities and are stationed at designated pedestrian crossings near schools during the start and end of the school day.

Lollipop Ladies and Men are easily identifiable by their high-visibility clothing and the large, circular 'STOP' sign they carry, which is colloquially referred to as a 'lollipop'. When the Lollipop Lady or Man steps into the road and displays the sign, drivers are legally obliged to stop.

Training and Qualifications

In the United Kingdom, Lollipop Ladies and Men are trained by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). The training includes understanding the Highway Code, learning how to control traffic, and how to interact with children and drivers.

In Popular Culture

The role of the Lollipop Lady or Man has been featured in various forms of popular culture, including children's books and television programmes. They are often portrayed as friendly and caring figures who play an important role in the local community.

See Also

• School crossing guard
• Pedestrian safety through vehicle design
• Traffic guard

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