NEW technology hidden in a lollipop sign has made crossing the road safer for the pupils of a Malvern school this week.

The crossing patrol at the Grove Primary School has been trialling the lolli-cam on Pickersleigh Road all week.

The lolli-cam aims to improve driver behaviour and support school crossing patrols by using a tiny hidden camera embedded in the neck of the lollipop sign to record any incidents of motorists breaking the law.

Tony Vater, headteacher of the Grove, said: “We are happy to support anything that makes it safer for children to get to school. The parents are pleased it’s happening to improve safety and making sure cars are slowing down. I think it would be an excellent idea to have it on a full-time basis, as it is so busy with traffic these days and especially at those times of day.”

Worcestershire County Councillor Derek Prodger said: "It's unbelievable that we have to take this action, but an increasing number of selfish drivers are willing to put children's lives at risk by refusing to stop for 30 seconds at a school crossing. Motorists need to be made aware that they are committing a criminal offence and we hope this new technology will prove an effective deterrent."

Legally, school crossing patrols have the same status as a red traffic light and failure to stop can lead to a £1,000 fine, three penalty points on your driving licence or even a driving ban. Often there is little evidence to support a prosecution but the lolli-cam allows for positive identification.

A decision on whether to make the lolli-cam permament will be made later in the year by Worcestershire County Council.