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School Crossing Patrols
Last updated: 24 August 2011 11:40 UK
The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 gives councils the power to provide a school crossing patrol service. It also gives patrols the power to stop traffic to cross pedestrians. Until 2000, school crossing patrols could only cross children on their way to and from school. However, a change in the law now means that they can stop traffic to cross any pedestrian. Traffic has increased enormously since the 1950s and today’s patrols have to deal with very different road and traffic conditions.
The provision of an SCP Service remains a permissive, not a statutory function and the responsibility for ensuring the safety of children to and from school is, and must remain, a parental one. Even where a patrol is provided, parents remain responsible for ensuring their children's safety, just as they do when, for example, a zebra or light controlled crossing is provided.
Parents, drivers and other road users are urged to be alert to children outside all schools at opening and closing times, and to be patient when pedestrians are crossing with School Crossing Patrols. Drivers are also reminded to park safely and considerately outside schools and not on 'zig-zag' Keep Clear markings, and that 'drop off' zones are intended for just that: picking up or dropping off pupils, not for parking in. These measures all help to make the roads around schools safer for all pedestrians, and particularly children whose awareness and level of road sense is still developing.
Portsmouth City Council has a team of 100 school crossing patrols who work on busy roads near school and are at their sites in all weathers.
The Duty of the School Crossing Patrol
School Crossing Patrollers (SCP’s) usually work for 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon, duty times vary to reflect the needs of the school they serve.
The Stop ‘lollipop’ sign must be displayed clearly when controlling traffic, and it is part of their duties to keep the sign clean. All vehicles should be allowed sufficient time to stop safely, especially heavy vehicles. Under conditions of ice, wet or poor visibility, more time must be allowed. When returning to the path the sign must still be held upright. On the path the sign should be upside down or turned away from traffic so that motorists are not confused.
School Crossing Patrols must not:
Step into the road unless they intend to stop traffic.
Allow children to walk into the road with them.
Take a child's hand and escort him/her across the road.
Allow cyclists to ride across the road at the Crossing Point.
You Can Help the Patrol by:
Listening to the Patrol's instructions.
Teaching your child to wait on the pavement and follow instructions.
Teaching your child to cross in front of the Patrol.
Making sure your child behaves sensibly and does not distract the Patrol.
Setting a good example yourself.
If you are a driver, be aware when you approach school signs, stop when requested and wait until the Patrol has returned to the pavement before moving off.
The Highway Code
Rule 87 states: You MUST obey signals given by police officers and traffic wardens (see Signals by authorised persons section) and signs used by school crossing patrols.
Rule 186 states: You MUST stop when a school crossing patrol show a ‘Stop’ for children sign (see Traffic signs section).
Failure to comply could result in:
· a £1000 fine,
· 3 penalty points on their licence
· possible disqualification for non-compliance
