Parents have been left bemused and worried after the use of lollipops was banned from crossing patrols. A new rule introduced by a council in Dundee means the workers near two primary schools can no longer use the traditional long sticks to halt traffic.
Officials, taking guidance from a national road safety charity, believe the lollipops could confuse drivers because there are also traffic lights located at the crossings. Instead, the high-vis clad patrollers must press the button on the pelican crossings, “muster” the children, and then walk them part way across the road without their stop sign.
But they are not allowed to personally stop traffic and must be ready to return to the kerb when more children arrive, meaning youngsters could be left unaccompanied for part of the crossing. One parent, Graham Lickford, says the lollipop man at Ancrum Road, Sandy Bullions, does a brilliant job but fears the decision makes his role harder.
