'Ridiculous' new rule means end of lollipop patrol

Parents have expressed "concern and frustration" over the removal of a school crossing patrol following a change to council rules.

Dorset Council stopped funding the lollipop patrol outside Lytchett Matravers Primary School in 2025 after installing a zebra crossing.

Lytchett Matravers Parish Council has been paying for the patrol since September but Dorset Council has since ruled that patrols can no longer be positioned on zebra crossings.

Dorset Council said it "updated its School Crossing Patrol policy to improve safety and to reflect recent investment in new permanent pedestrian crossing facilities at a small number of its 28 active patrol locations".

Zoe Rawlings, whose children attend the school, said: "Removing the lollipop lady is, in my view, a ridiculous idea.

"Wareham Road is already a dangerous stretch of road, with cars frequently travelling far too fast.

"Without the crossing patrol, I fear drivers will be less alert and less inclined to stop promptly, putting children and parents at greater risk.

"Only last year, a child was knocked over just a few metres past the school.

"That incident should have reinforced the need for stronger safety measures, not the removal of one of the most effective ones."

In a statement on its website, the parish council said it had "recently been informed by Dorset Council that, under new formal policy, school crossing patrols (SCPs) can no longer be positioned on zebra crossings".

"Dorset Council states that this is considered unsafe, as it may cause confusion between the authority of the SCP and the legal regulations of the crossing," the statement said.

The parish council said it was "very disappointed with this decision", adding: "Unfortunately, due to this new policy... even if we wanted to employ her directly, a lollipop lady is not allowed here any longer."

The patrol is due to cease at the end of March.

Dorset Council said it was "working closely with stakeholders to support a safe transition from the current patrols to the new permanent crossings".

A spokesperson said: "Our priority is to help children and families travel safely.

"Updating the policy ensures that crossing arrangements remain clear, consistent and supportive for everyone who uses our roads."

The school's head teacher Matt Vernon said his pupils had "benefitted greatly" from the crossing warden who "not only kept them safe but also supported them to come into school positively through her warm and welcoming nature".

He said: "We are supportive of the local parish council's proposal to finance the road crossing patrol so it can remain and support safety for all."