School Crossing Patrol Service                            

The County Council provides a School Crossing Patrol service to assist children on their daily journeys to and from school. Each school day, more than 350 Crossing Patrols are on duty across Staffordshire.

How do we decide where to put a School Crossing Patrol point?

We use a set of criteria developed by the Local Authority Road Safety Officer's Association (LARSOA) specifically for this purpose. The County Council believes that this standard provides a high level of pupil safety and as a matter of policy, normally establishes School Crossing Patrol points where these criteria are met.

We cannot of course provide a patrol on every road crossed by every pupil and parents always retain the responsibility for the safety of their children on the way to and from school.  However, if you feel that a School Crossing Patrol should be provided at a particular location please let us know by emailing louise.clayton@staffordshire.gov.uk

How do we decide which points to cover in the event of staff absence?

We operate a relief patrol system throughout the County and every effort is made to ensure emergency coverage of vacant points. Cover is based on assessments of individual points and relief staff are allocated using a priority system. Priority A points are the highest priority because they present the greatest risk to pedestrians if left without cover. We always try to cover priority A points. Crossing points at pelicon lights will not normally be covered in the case of absence.

Are all drivers legally required to stop for School Crossing Patrols?

It is an offence under the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984, for a driver to fail to stop for a School Crossing Patrol wearing the official uniform and displaying the patrol stop sign. It is also an offence for a driver to move off whilst the Patrol is still on the road.

School Crossing Patrols have additional powers to stop traffic to help adults cross the road, as well as children going to and from school. 

How can I find out more details about becoming a School Crossing Patrol?

Working as a School Crossing Patrol can be very rewarding. It is an opportunity to serve the heart of a community. Post holders receive full training, uniform and payment during school holidays.

We often have vacancies for School Crossing Patrols. If you would like more information or details of any vacancies within your area, please access the County Council's job vacancy database or contact the Area Organiser for your area or Louise Clayton, Development Services Directorate, Road Safety & Sustainable Travel, Riverway, Stafford ST16 3TJ, Telephone 01785 276513 or email louise.clayton@staffordshire.gov.uk

Last Modified: 01/04/2008 08:31:42
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