School Crossing Patrol service proposal

Why is there a proposal to cease funding the School Crossing Patrol service in the 2011/12 budget?
Suffolk County Council is in the process of reviewing what services it should provide in the future and what services should best revert to the community, in the light of reduced resources available in the public sector. We believe that it is primarily the responsibility of parents and carers to ensure that their children travel to and from school safely.

Has a final decision been made to end the School Crossing Patrol service?
If this proposal is approved by the Full Council on 17th February 2011 then the service may end during the summer term but a final decision has not been made yet.

How much does it cost to employ a school crossing patrol?
Patrols work an average of 7.2 hours a week (at £6.38/hour) during term time and receive retainer pay during school holidays. The average pay of a patrol is £2232 per year. The total cost of employing patrols is approximately £174000.

How many school crossing patrol sites are there in Suffolk and how many children use the service?
There are 93 school crossing patrol sites in Suffolk but not everyone is occupied. The majority of the sites are in Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds with a few in market towns and a scattering of sites in rural locations. Over 8000 children use the crossings daily on their journeys to 98 schools accompanied by adults or unaccompanied. Over 1000 children are unaccompanied and 11 years of age or younger.

How many school crossing patrols does the Council employ at the moment?
Since the recruitment restriction was introduced in June, the roll is now 62. There are also 6 relief posts providing emergency cover.

Can a school take on the service?
Legally, it is possible for the Council to delegate the service to a school. However, currently the Law is very strict on how a patrol must operate and the school would need to fulfil all the supervisory responsibilities.

Can a school pay for the service?
The Law is clear on this matter. A school cannot use its LEA grant to pay for a patrol. A school could raise money from other sources but would still face issues related to supervision.

Can a volunteer operate as a school crossing patrol?
An individual cannot act as a school crossing patrol but it may be possible for a school or another authority to take on a volunteer to perform the duties of a patrol. However, currently the Law is very strict on how a patrol must operate and a school or another authority would need to fulfil all the supervisory responsibilities.

What can the community do if they are concerned about the loss of a crossing patrol?
It may be possible for volunteers to operate as pavement marshals. Either with the support of a school or another authority, volunteers could stand at the crossing point and indicate when it is safe to cross. They would not have the authority to stop traffic.

Can a Borough, Town or Parish Council take on the service?
Legally, it is possible for the Council to delegate the service to another authority. However, currently the Law is very strict on how a patrol must operate and another authority would need to fulfil all the supervisory responsibilities.

What would happen at the sites where patrols currently operate?
We are carrying out an audit at all the sites and we would consider removing inappropriate signs. The engineers carrying out this work will identify alternative crossing points if they exist close to the sites and parents, carers and children will be advised to use them.

Will you be replacing the patrol sites with controlled crossings?
It is not our intention to install zebra, puffin, pelican or toucan crossings at the sites as this solution would be very expensive and the crossings would only be used for a limited time on weekdays. However, we will examine the results of the audits carefully and in some cases may make minor alterations at existing sites.

Do you expect an increase in child pedestrian accidents if the service is ended?
Currently, there are very few child pedestrian accidents in the county. We will continue to work with schools to ensure that all pupils receive road safety education and training. However, we are clear that it is the responsibility of parents and carers to ensure that children travel to school safely.

Do you expect an increase in the number of children travelling by car if the service is ended?
Currently, only a minority of children travel to school by car in the county. It is impossible to predict whether ending the service will lead to an increase in the numbers travelling by car. We will continue to promote walking and cycling as key elements of our health and green agendas. However, we are clear that it is the responsibility of parents and carers to ensure that children travel to school safely.

Has any other authority in the country ended the school crossing patrol service?
We are aware that a number of authorities are considering this option but it is likely that Suffolk could be the first to do so.

Further information about school crossing patrols
School Crossing Patrols were established by the School Crossing SCP Act. The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 gave 'Appropriate Authorities' (defined as county councils, metropolitan district councils, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and the Common Council of the City of London) the power to appoint SCPs to help children cross the road on their way to or from school, or from one part of a school to another, between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:30 pm. The Transport Act 2000 amended the 1984 Regulations to allow SCPs to operate "at such times as the Authority thinks fit". Therefore, SCPs may now work outside the hours of 8.00 am to 5.30pm and can stop traffic to help anyone (child or adult) to cross the road.

The School Crossing Patrol service is provided to assist in ensuring that school children within the County have a safe route to travel to and from school. School Crossing Patrol Officers have the power under the 1984 Road Traffic Act as amended in 2001 to stop traffic to help anyone (child or adult) to cross the road, whether or not they are travelling to or from school. Only the Police and traffic wardens have the same powers. Patrol sites are risk assessed on an annual basis and records kept on file. Any issues raised through these assessments are highlighted and relevant action taken.

Patrols are issued with full uniform including hat, coat and Patrol order sign. Patrols cannot legally stop traffic unless wearing/using these items.