Schools in Scotland have lost dozens of lollipop men and women in the past five years.
Data obtained from 24 of Scotland’s 32 councils showed that two thirds spent less on the patrols in 2016-17 than in 2012-13. A total of £6.87 million was spent by local authorities on school patrols five years ago but this went down to £6.33 million in the most recent figures. The number of lollipop workers also dropped from 1,353 to 1,226.
Safety campaigners and politicians have criticised the drop, which they say will put children’s lives at risk. Liam Kerr, Scottish Conservatives’ transport spokesman, said that the cutbacks were “hugely alarming”, adding: “During a time in which manufacturers are now making vehicles more powerful and faster than ever, it’s only common sense to ensure we have enough lollipop men and women to keep children safe.”
The decision on how much to spend and how many lollipop patrols to employ is up to each local authority, although there are national guidelines.
Inverclyde council increased spending from £122,000 to £307,000 between 2012-13 and 2016-17 and Aberdeen increased its patrollers from 23 to 33 in the same period, but were in the minority. West Dunbartonshire cut spending by 45 per cent from £291,000 to £160,000, with the numbers falling from 56 to 44, while in South Ayrshire, patrollers dropped from 67 to 39 and spending by 38 per cent.
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David Burns, of South Ayrshire, said patrols at busy routes were unaffected by the reductions, adding: “We reviewed the need for crossing patrol staff on school routes where traffic was light and where there are other safety measures such as pelican crossings.”
West Dunbartonshire council said an increasing number of pupils staying in school over lunchtime meant there was no longer a need for cover at that time.
A Scottish government spokesman said: “We expect councils to take all appropriate measures to keep our communities safe. School crossing patrols are a vital part of this service.”