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School Crossing Patrols - FAQ

Suffolk County Council operate School Crossing Patrols at points on the journey to and from schools where sites have been assessed under the National Guidelines.

1. Does a School Crossing Patrol Officer have the right to stop traffic?
Yes - 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.

If you do not stop the possible penalties include:            

A fine of up to £1,000
3 penalty points
Disqualification

Rule 87 of the Highway Code
When you see a School Crossing Patrol Officer step into the road ahead of you displaying a sign, you must stop to allow people to cross the road.  

2. Can Patrol Officers only cross school children at their point?
No - following a change in the law in 2001 Patrol Officers are empowered to cross any pedestrians requesting to be crossed at the designated point.          

3. How do we get a School Crossing Patrol at our school?
Requests for Patrol sites should be made in writing and have the support of the school the site will serve.

Following a request site surveys will be carried out. These surveys will include the vehicle and pedestrian flow although other factors are taken into account when making the final assessment.

The assessment process takes 4 to 6 weeks. 

4. What happens if a site is unsupervised?
If a School Crossing Patrol Officer is unable to operate their point there is a procedure in place to provide emergency cover. Points will, where possible be covered by a Relief Patrol for up to a maximum of 3 days. If the absence is likely to continue beyond this point, schools will be notified that the site will be unsupervised.

The journey to and from school continues to be a parental responsibility with or without a School Crossing Patrol Officer on site.

5. What happens about vacant sites?
All vacant sites are advertised in the local press, local jobcentres and schools. If an applicant does not come forward we do continue to assess the sites and advertise on a regular basis.   

Vacant sites are on the SCC Website and on www.suffolkroadsafe.net   

Contact:

Mary Jarrett
Senior Road Safety Officer
Environment & Transport
(School Crossing patrol Service) 01473 265006  
mary.jarrett@et.suffolkcc.gov.uk