Roads - School Crossing Patrols

Description

 

School Crossing patrols are provided to assist children and parents cross busy roads when going to and from school.

They are provided with a uniform and sign that legally entitles them to stop vehicles to create a safe gap for pedestrians to cross the road.

They normally operate outside of the school but can also be authorised to operate on any busy road at a point where school children cross in large numbers.

 

Eligibility

Normally either the Head Teacher or the Governors of a school will request a crossing patrol. However a concerned parent or other member of the public can bring a specific problem area to the Council's attention and it will be investigated.

Procedure

 

There is a set of criteria for establishing a school crossing patrol point. This requires the combined number of pedestrians crossing the road and the flow of vehicles on that road to meet a minimum number.

When a request is received a survey will be arranged to check if the site meets this criteria. If it does then other aspects of the site will be taken into account to ensure that a crossing point can be safely established.

Adjustment factors can be applied to the assessment when appropriate to take account of items such as speeds, width and gradient of roads, complex junction areas, and so on.

If there are no insurmountable problems with the site then a point will be established and an advert prepared to recruit someone to operate the crossing.

 

Helplines

 

Highways and Engineering General Enquiries, telephone: 01226 773555.

Road Safety Officer, telephone: 01226 772193.

School Crossing Patrol Supervisor, telephone: 01226 772024.

 

Opening Times/Locations

Opening Times and Locations

How can the customer help

 

When as a parent you feel that a School crossing patrol is required it would be helpful to make contact with the school concerned for the views of the Head teacher. This ensures that the school is involved and its views are known from the start.

If you are not a parent of a school pupil and want to contact the Council directly you should know the names of the school and the road on which you think a crossing patrol is needed.

If it is not outside of the school gates explain exactly where you consider the crossing point is needed, such as, at the end of a footpath from a housing estate. Try to explain what has brought you to that view, for example, have you seen a lot of pupils running across the road without regard to other traffic.

An offer to become the crossing patrol if a point is established would also help.

 

Application form references

 

Request an Assessment for a New School Crossing Patrol

 

Leaflets

 

School Gate Parking leaflet.

Traffic and Road Safety Service Standards

 

 

Legislation

 

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, Sections 26 to 28.

 

Response Times/Next Steps

 

When a request is received arrangements will be made immediately to survey the site in respect of the criteria. This survey can only take place during school term times and should be repeated 2 or 3 times to get an 'average' and hence typical result.

The assessment should take no more than 4 weeks. However this will depend on whether or not school holiday periods intervene and any periods of inclement weather that may affect the count.

 

 

Additional Notes

The Council is always pleased to know of people interested in becoming School Crossing Patrols. If you want to find out more of what is involved and any current vacancies or discuss any aspect of the service please ring the School Crossing Patrol Supervisor on 01226 772024.

Last modified on 16/9/2008