THE traditional image of the jolly lollipop man and woman is to come under scrutiny as cash-strapped County Hall chiefs look to make savings.

Bosses at County Hall's highways and transportation department fear they are paying money for patrols which are sometimes never carried out, because the lollipop man or woman doesn't turn in.

Now they are to ask drivers to report any absences by patrol staff in a bid to make the department more cost effective.

Lancashire County Council's road safety group has 370 patrol sties across the county, mainly at points where young children are crossing for school.

The patrol staff are provided by Lancashire County's cleaning service, who produce an invoice for each site to the road safety group, stating exactly what percentage cover each location has achieved over the year.

The road safety group fears it is paying for 100 per cent cover at several sites where there have often been absences which have gone unreported.

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "It is impossible for the road safety group to check all 370 patrol sites daily.

"Therefore we have proposed to implemented a system which would involve siting a small sign next to each patrol in the county which would display a freephone number and the times the patrol should be on duty.

"Teachers, parents or drivers could report incidents where the patrol is not on duty."

It is hoped the £20,000 cost of introducing the system would be absorbed by a reduction in the amount paid out by the county for patrols which have occurred.

The spokesman added: "Spot checks are already carried out, but only where resources permit.

"The provision of such plates will have the additional benefit of advertising the county's commitment to the school crossing patrol service."

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