Campaign to lick lollipop rage

For generations, lollipop men and women have shepherded schoolchildren safely across roads armed only with their trusty signs.

But they are about to undergo a Robocop-style makeover: their signs are to be equipped with cameras in an effort to combat "lollipop rage" by aggressive drivers.

The new signs, which cost £890 each, will allow lollipop men and women - officially known as school crossing patrol officers - to record dangerous driving and capture car number plates, say council leaders.

The move by the Local Government Association (LGA) comes after about 1,400 lollipop-rage incidents were reported to councils in England last year.

Dozens of lollipop men and women have required hospital treatment after being hit by cars and others have complained of regular abuse and intimidation.