YORK MP Hugh Bayley wants Government action to tackle a shortage of school lollipop men and women.
Mr Bayley claims ploughing extra cash into recruitment could actually save money.
The alternative is to fit a pedestrian crossing outside schools costing thousand of pounds, he said.
As well as costing more, this also fails to provide an extra pair of "eyes and ears" looking after children as they arrive and depart school.
Labour MP Mr Bayley added: "Without lollipop men and women, walking to school and other pedestrian journeys become a lot less attractive. "
He made the remarks in talks with School Minister Stephen Twigg at Westminster.
Mr Bayley also raised City of York Council's success in doubling the number of cycle journeys taken by nine to 14-year-olds over a five-year period, from 1999 to 2004.
Mr Twigg, who offered his "congratulations to the council, promised to investigate Mr Bayley's plea for extra lollipop men and women.
"I understand the concern about lollipop ladies and men. I am aware of recruitment difficulties in my constituency. I will look at that matter further, " he said.
Updated: 10:31 Thursday, February 19, 2004
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