At Elmhurst we are very lucky to have a school crossing patrol officer; we are not required to do so by law ( under the Road Traffic Act 1984) but we do so as a matter of safety.  The provision of an SCP Service is a discretionary, not statutory, function and the responsibility for ensuring the safety of children on their way to and from school is, and must always remain, a parental one.

It is expected that our Elmhurst community will always give our crossing patrol officer support and consideration as they perform their duties.  After all, they are there for the children’s safety.

Following a change in the law in 2001, patrols are required to stop traffic to cross any pedestrian, not just children.

PARKING OUTSIDE SCHOOLS

Keep a patrol crossing site safe. Child pedestrians need a clear road crossing location so they can Stop, Look, Listen and Think!  If you are parked covering the entrance/ exit to the school or in an area you should not be in then you will be asked to move.

ADVICE FOR DRIVERS

Drivers and riders must follow the procedure in The Highway Code:

• On seeing the sign displayed upright, STOP.  The pedestrian crossing is active.
• Demonstrate you are a safe driver.  Approach the site with caution and stop a safe distance away from the patrol with your handbrake on.
• Remain stationary, with your handbrake on, until the patrol has entered the carriageway, crossed the pedestrians and returned to the pavement.  Only then has the crossing finished.
• Patrols are trained only to enter the carriageway when it is safe to do so and never to hold up traffic for longer than is absolutely necessary.  Please be patient with the patrol as before they leave their ALL VEHICLES MUST STOP position in the centre of the carriageway, they will ensure that everyone is safely on the pavement and that no one is about to cross.

ADVICE FOR PEDESTRIANS

Parents and children must follow the procedure:

• Parents can help by encouraging children to cross with the patrol’s procedure.  Do hold hands with your child before you reach the crossing site.  Stop, look and listen to the instructions given by the patrol.  Children on scooters and bicycles must dismount and cross as a pedestrian. 
• Stand back from the kerb and the movement of the sign.
• Do not cross the road unless you are signalled to do so by the school crossing patrol. Always cross in front of the patrol, never cross behind them where they cannot see you.

The patrol will give pedestrians two instructions:

• “Please wait” until the patrol has checked the traffic movement and is positioned in the centre of the carriageway displaying the sign in the “all vehicles must stop” position
• “Please cross”. Look before you leave the pavement and continue to look as you cross in front of the patrol, in a straight line where the patrol can see you.
• Do ensure you are walking with your child as they cross and continue to do so until they are safely on the pavement on the far side.