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School Crossing Patrol
The School Crossing Patrol Service was first introduced for Primary (in the UK children aged 4-11 years) schoolchildren in the UK in the 1950s. They were provided by the police, but are now employed by local councils. Even where a School Crossing Patrol is provided, parents remain responsible for ensuring their children's safety.
We provide school crossing patrols (lollipop ladies and men) to help pupils and adults at places where it can be hazardous or difficult to cross the road. They are on duty for around 40 minutes, morning and afternoon on school days. They are identifiable by their bright uniforms and stop signs.
The law requires drivers to stop when the sign (the lollipop) is held upright. This applies at all times and not just to allow children to cross the road. We currently have a list of 220 approved sites around the county. Locations are assessed regularly to ensure needs are being met. All our School Crossing Patrol staff are kept up-to-date with a bi-annual newsletter called SCOOP.
The Law & Penalties
School Crossing Patrol Officers have the same powers as police officers to stop traffic, and furthermore, the Road Traffic Act 1984 makes motorists legally-bound to stop for the patrols. Failure to stop can lead to prosecution and fines of up to £1000, a minimum of three penalty points on the driving licence and a possible disqualification – in addition to having the injury or death of a child on one’s conscience.
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