Anyone who has driven near a school during the busy pick-up and drop-off times will likely have spotted someone wielding what looks like a giant lollipop in the street. Drivers who ignore their rules might think nothing of it, but they have a special way to keep track of rule breakers - and send fines their way.

Officially known as a School Crossing Patrol Officer, but better known as a lollipop person, these people, employed by the local authority, act as guards to help young people cross busy roads around a school during peak times. However, many have no clue about one feature of the sign - and it's what catches bad drivers out

In an Instagram video posted by @Dannysdrivingschool, Liverpool-based driving instructor Daniel Smith asked a pupil recently to quiz their local lollipop man about something he uses daily for his job. People who had been driving for years were "just learning" about the real reason behind the blacked-out space on the lollipop between the warning and the children's crossing symbol.

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Daniel said: "It's a little bit of band, and you'd use a piece of chalk to write down the registration of the car that's just gone through. The newer ones have got cameras in, so they can see who drives through and just video them."

School crossing officers would pass their report and the vehicle registration on to the police or local traffic wardens to take action against drivers who violated their order to stop. The same video, posted to Daniel's TikTok account with 131,900 followers, had a range of responses from people who "learnt something new".

One said: "I’m a lollipop lady and not many people know that." Another person replied: "I’m one too, and I didn’t know it till someone I crossed asked me if I knew and told me."

Someone else put: "I've been a lolipop lady for four years and I was never told this!" A fifth TikTok user said: "Nearly 40 and I never knew this! Learn something new every day!" One more wrote: "How have I got to 53 and never knew this?"

People pointed out the flaw in this design, though, as one said: "Would be no good on a rainy day!" Another said: "It'd wash away with the rain we've had lately!"

In short, yes. Drivers must follow the clear instructions, just like any other permanent road sign. Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and Rule 210 of the Highway Code, drivers are legally required to stop when a uniformed School Crossing Patrol officer displays the "Stop for Children" sign.

A School Crossing Patrol Officer has the same authority to stop traffic as a police officer. Failing to stop can result in a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points on your driving licence, and potential disqualification (depending on how many penalty points you already have).

When you approach a school:

• Slow down when you see a School Crossing Patrol warning sign or flashing lights, and be prepared to stop


• Stop when the School Crossing Patrol is displaying the STOP sign


• Be patient and do not move forward


• Do not move forward until the School Crossing Patrol has returned to the pavement


• Do not park or stop where the School Crossing Patrol works, on zig-zag lines or other areas with parking restrictions.