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School Crossing Patrols were officially introduced in Britain in 1953 and there are tens of thousands operating throughout the Country. In 2003 the service celebrated its 50th Anniversary, giving us the perfect opportunity to look back at the history of the service.
- 1920s - SCPs first appear in the United States
- 1937 - The first known patrols in England are introduced by Mrs Hunt in Bath
- 1940s - SCPs are trialled in parts of London
- 1949 - The London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham employ Traffic Wardens to help children on their way to and from school
- 1953 - Following Londons lead the official School Crossing Patrol Act is passed, allowing Patrols to operate throughout the Country
- 1971-73 - The County Road Safety Officers Association (CRSOA) devises guidelines to assist and raise the profile of the SCP
- 1974 - The Guidelines are implemented, the biggest innovation being the switch from white coat/ black hat uniform to high visibility yellow outfits, similar to those worn today
- 1980s - Guidelines are reviewed and lollipop people are given a make - over, with new uniforms introduced for everyone. Outfits are continually reviewed and updated to comply with Health and Safety Regulations
- 2001 - Patrols are given the power to help adults across the road, as well as children
As part of the National celebrations LARSOA in association with Hyundai produced a School Information Pack.
This included a competition to design a Lollipop Person of the Future, where the winning School received art equipment and a competition where a Patrol had the chance to win a car through the publics vote - the Golden Lollipop Person. This second competition also gave the person who put forward the name of the overall winner the chance to win a family weekend break.
Here in Torbay we held our own celebration on Wednesday 23 April at Oldway Mansion in Paignton between 6.30 and 7.30pm. All the Patrols were invited to attend along with a guest to celebrate the anniversary with a drink and some nibbles.
The Mayor said a few words and presented each Patrol that attended with a specially designed commemorative lapel stick-pin in the shape of a lollipop.
Contact Highways
- Tel: 01803 207678
- Email: highways@torbay.gov.uk
- Fax: 01803 207670
