School Crossing Patrol Service
Our school crossing patrols do a vital job in seeing children
across the road at often the last and most vulnerable point of
their journey. They are also ears and eyes protecting children from
danger near schools.
A Short History of the School Crossing
Patrol
School Crossing Patrols were recognised in the UK by the School
Crossing Patrol Act 1953 and instituted on 1 July 1954 through the
School Crossing Patrol 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.
Previously, police authorities were responsible for this service
and traffic wardens as well as the police were authorised to stop
traffic to allow children to cross the road. The act enabled police
officers and traffic wardens to concentrate on their other
duties.
However this is not a statutory duty and remains a permissive
function, which means that it is carried out at the discretion of
the Borough Council. The responsibility for any
child's safety on the way to and returning from school is that
of the parents or carer.
The Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 (sections 26 & 28)
defined the criteria for which a School Crossing Patrol has the
power to stop vehicles. Since that time, legislation has been
updated and while still ensconced in the Road Traffic Regulations
Act 1984, section 26 “arrangements for patrolled school crossings”
and section 28 “stopping of vehicles at school crossings”, the
Transport Act 2000 allows school crossing patrollers to
cross any pedestrian who offer their selves to cross the road
during patroller’s duty times. It also allows operating
times to be determined by each authority providing the
service.
The School Crossing Patrol service celebrates its 60th birthday
in 2013.
School Crossing Patrols in Bedford Borough
We currently have 20 permanent patrols and 1 standby
(relief) patrol.
We are always on the look out for suitable fit people to join
us, who are dedicated and who want to give something to the
community.
Details of the job:
- A uniform and full training will be provided.
- You will only need to work during term time - morning and
afternoons.
- You will receive a competitive rate of
pay.
- During school holidays you will receive 4 weeks full pay and 9
weeks half pay.
- You will also receive ongoing training and be part of our
team of people dedicated to child safety.
There are no special qualifications required to become a school
crossing patrol other than a commitment to carry out their duties
reliably with care for the children and due regard for other road
users. There is a full training programme for new recruits,
together with ongoing reviews and team meetings.
If you are interested in becoming a School Crossing Patrol and
joining a team that provides a very important service to the
community, please contact the School Crossing Patrol Organiser in
the Road Safety Team on 01234 228336.
‘Stop Means Stop’ (S.M.S) Campaign ‘
Everyday throughout the UK some road users:-
- Fail to STOP when the School Crossing Patrollers display their
signs in the road.
- Move off before the School Crossing Patroller has returned to
the pavement.
Failure to obey a school crossing patrol Stop sign could result
in a maximum fine of £1000 plus 3 points on your driving licence
and could even result in injury or death.
It is therefore extremely important that when approaching a
School Crossing Patrol or School, motorists should slow down, use
extreme caution and be prepared to stop. Stop Means Stop is an
integral part of the Road Safety Team’s programme of road safety
initiatives. It is an annual educational campaign usually held in
October and is aimed at informing both motorists and
pedestrians about the role of the school crossing patrol.
Members of the team will be giving out information leaflets
and discuss with members of the public any matters arising at
locations around the Borough.
Bedford Borough Council Road Safety Team
(01234)
228336
Email road.safety@bedford.gov.uk