In the UK, a school crossing is a designated area near schools where children can safely cross the road. Key features include:
- Lollipop Person: Also known as a school crossing patrol officer, this individual helps children cross the road by stopping traffic with a handheld stop sign, often called a “lollipop.”
- Legal Requirement: According to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, it is a criminal offense not to stop when a crossing guard signals you to do so.
- Operating Hours: These crossings are typically operational during school start and end times, usually between 8 AM and 5:30 PM.
- Safety Measures: The patrol officer wears a high-visibility uniform and uses a stop sign to halt traffic, ensuring children can cross safely.