School Crossing Patrol Service

The School Crossing Patrol Service provides a vital link to a safer, healthier journey to and from school for many child and adult pedestrians throughout the county of Worcestershire. It also provides an integral element of sustaining a pro-walking strategy equipping children with safer crossing and pedestrian skills.

Brief history of the School Crossing Patrol service

School Crossing Patrols were recognised in the UK by the SCP Act 1953 and instituted on 1 July 1954 through the SCP Order 1954. This allowed local authorities to provide School Crossing Patrols to assist children to cross roads on their way to and from school between the hours of 08.00 and 17.30.

School Crossing Patrols have the legal right to stop traffic, but the responsibility for children's safety remains with the parent or carer. The employment of School Crossing Patrols is not statutory and is at the discretion of local authorities.

The Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 (Sect 26 & 28) defines the criteria for which a School Crossing Patrol has the power to stop vehicles. The transport act was updated in 2000 to allow School Crossing Patrols to cross any pedestrian who wishes to cross with them between their duty times. It also allows operating times to be determined by each authority.

How is the School Crossing Patrol Service managed?

The School Crossing Patrol Service is managed by Worcestershire County Council in accordance with the national School Crossing Patrol Service guidelines (Road Safety GB). Although the guidelines clearly define the role and responsibility of providing a service, they are subject to local policies and amendments agreed by the Council.

How do you request a School Crossing Patrol?

Requests come from many sources including:

• Members of the public
• Headteachers
• Governors
• Parish Councillors
• County Councillors

Sites are assessed by conducting a Pedestrian/vehicle count using objective criteria provided in the guidelines, this figure must be met before a site can be established. If the figure doesn't meet criteria, a further site assessment may be required and other factors applied. These may consist of environmental issues such as poor visibility, junctions, speed of traffic, accident data, traffic flow or age of pedestrians.

Who manages the patrols?

The daily management, administration and supervision of the service are carried out by a dedicated team of three who train and supervise all School Crossing Patrols. They are also responsible for risk assessments and ensuring engineering measures are considered and undertaken wherever necessary.

How many Patrol sites are there in Worcestershire?

There are currently 96 sites across the county, operating Monday to Friday, mornings and afternoons during term time.

Drivers must stop for School Crossing Patrols

It is an offence under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 if you do not stop when signalled to do so by a School Crossing Patrol.

Rule 184 of the Highway Code says:

Near schools:

Drive slowly and be particularly aware of young cyclists and pedestrians. In some places, there may be a flashing amber signal below the 'SCHOOL' warning sign, which tells you that there may be children crossing the road ahead. Drive very slowly until you are clear of the area.

The possible penalties for failure to stop are:

• A fine up to £1,000
• Three penalty points on your licence
• Disqualification

If travelling on the carriageway you can support a School Crossing Patrol by:

• Approaching with caution
• Being prepared to stop
• Stopping if the School Crossing Patrol is in the carriageway displaying the 'STOP' sign (it is an offence under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 if you do not stop when signalled to do so by a School Crossing Patrol)
• Stopping a safe distance away
• Not proceeding until the School Crossing Patrol has returned to the pavement

You should drive with caution near schools even if there is no crossing Patrol in operation.

Nursery and pre-school visits

The School Crossing Patrol Supervisor organises visits to nurseries and pre-schools to encourage learning through play. The theme of the visits is primarily about "People that help us" and in particular outlining the role of the School Crossing Patrol and the importance of holding a grownups hand when out and about.

Would you like to join our team of dedicated School Crossing Patrols?

The role of a School Crossing Patrol or as they are more affectionately known, 'lollipop person', is not only a very rewarding one, but one that is valued by the community.

If you would like to join our Team you could benefit from:

• Good rate of pay
• Working Term Time only (38 weeks a year)
• Being on duty for 1 to 2 hours per day
• Working outdoors
• Becoming a valued member of your community

If you feel that this is the job for you please check our current vacancies to see if there is a position available in your area.

We are often looking for Relief Patrols that are willing to be called upon at short notice, to cover permanent staff that are suddenly taken ill or cannot attend their duty for whatever reason.

You may apply byvisiting our job pages or emailing scp@worcestershire.gov.uk.

The School Crossing Patrol Service can also be contacted by telephoning Worcestershire HUB on 01905 765765.

This page was last reviewed 12 June 2013 at 11:08.
The page is next due for review 9 December 2014.