In 2003 Lollipop Crossings celebrated their 50th birthday in the UK! More formally known as School Crossing Patrols, they are nicknamed after the stripy lollipop shaped stick held by patrollers.

The patrols were first used in America, coming to Britain in 1937 when they were launched in Bath. Three years later their trial was extended to parts of London. In the beginning policemen ran most patrols but this took up a lot of time and manpower. In 1951 the Metropolitan Police Commissioner gave permission to recruit 1500 patrollers to replace the policemen running the patrols.

Like the policemen, the new civilian Patroller's were given white dust coats to protect their own clothes from dust and dirt. They also wore reflective armbands and peaked caps with metal shields, and carried red torches. Early signs were red and black rectangles with "Stop, Children Crossing" printed on them.

The job was always very popular with women due to the part time hours which they could fit around looking after their own children and homes. In 1952 a lighter pole and sign were introduced which were easier for them to handle.

In 1953 an Act of Parliament decreed that any authorised person could stop traffic in order to help children cross. Traffic that did not stop before reaching the patrols sign could be fined £5.

The 60's saw the replacement of the red torches with fluorescent sleeves and bright jackets to help drivers see the Patroller's. The sign also got a makeover, and began to look more like those we are used to today, with a yellow background and black bar.

In 2001 patrollers were given extra powers allowing them to cross adults as well as children. The most recent change in the history of the School Crossing Patrol saw the word 'children' replaced with a symbol to bring the UK in line with the rest of the EU.

Many Thanks to the Metropolitan Police Historical Museum for granting us permission to use the photographs on this page, and to Wandsworth Council for some of the historical data.