Welcome to Road Safety Wales
20/11/08
School Crossing Patrols across Carmarthenshire have a new hi viz look.
Drivers will be seeing red – as well as fluorescent yellow so there will be no excuse for not seeing them.
The new issue uniforms to School Crossing Patrols, is part of a major drive by the County Council to keep children safe outside school gates. From the end of this month the Patrols will wear two-toned coats of red and yellow instead of the traditional all yellow coats.
The new uniforms are complimented by reflective chevrons on the body and on the arms of the coat.
County Road Safety Manager Keith Griffiths said “School Crossing Patrols play an important and key role in ensuring that children cross the roads safely on their way to and from school. He said: “These colourful uniforms will make them more visible to motorists.
“The red incorporated in the design will help drivers see Patrols in low light or sun glare and help distinguish lollipop men and women from other people wearing fluorescent jackets.”
County Executive Board Member for Transport and Engineering, Councillor Haydn Jones, said: “Thanks to all our School Crossing Patrols more children make their way safely to school. It’s healthier for them and the environment as it cuts down on the so-called ‘school run’ of cars ferrying pupils to class,
“The School Crossing Patrols across Carmarthenshire provide a vital service safeguarding thousands of children in the county on their journey to and from school. Their commitment is remarkable.
“I am really pleased with the new look hi viz wear. They not only look good but they have the added safety feature of a new colour.
“There is no excuse for drivers saying they can’t see our patrols now.”
17/6/08
A new hi- tech monitoring camera system brings the school crossing patrol lollipop into the 21st century.
Find out more....
23/5/08
There are over 50 school crossing patrol officers in Pembrokeshire. They range in age from 24 to 72 and in length of service from a few months to 35 years. They patrol crossings across the County from Solva to Saundersfoot and Lamphey to Letterston.
Whatever the weather, this group of dedicated men and women ensure that Pembrokeshire children cross the road safely on their way to and from school.
Now the Council’s Road Safety Unit is urging everyone to support their local crossing officer by taking special care on the roads around schools - especially where patrols are located.
“School crossing patrol officers carry out a valuable service on our increasingly busy roads, “ said Jeanette John of the Road Safety Unit.
“Although they are primarily there to help children, they can assist anyone who seeks their help when they are on duty at their designated location.”
“When a patrol displays their stop sign motorists must stop, in accordance with the Road Traffic Act 1988. Failure to do so could result in a fine and/or penalty points.”
She said parents, who had the ultimate responsibility for ensuring their child’s safety, could help patrols by:
- Teaching their child to wait on the pavement and follow instructions
- Teaching them to cross in front of the patrol
- Ensuring they parked well away from the patrol as patrol officers needed to see and be seen by approaching traffic
- Reducing their speed on the road and be ready to stop
- And above all, by being patient - a child’s life could be at stake
5/3/08
Swansea Council has issued an urgent appeal to community spirited residents to help fill the gaps in the School Crossing Patrol Service. Twenty five schools in the city and county are facing a shortage of the vital road safety staff that patrol outside school gates and help pupils to cross busy roads.
In years gone by the officers have been more commonly known as 'lollipop' men or women and have guided children young and old across main roads. Recently, a national problem with recruiting staff to take up the role is leading to huge gaps in the service and there are concerns that children could be put at risk.
Joanne Davies, the Council's School Crossing Patrol Co-ordinator said, "We are doing everything we can to encourage individuals to join the service but we still have a large number of vacancies at schools throughout Swansea. The role of the School Crossing Patrol Officer is a hugely valued position within communities. We currently have 29 posts that we want to fill."
John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment said, "The Council and local schools are doing what they can to help educate children about safe use of roads. However, we need the cooperation of residents in the community to help fill these vacant posts and provide safe crossing arrangements for everyone going to school."
Cardiff Council produced the first edition of 'School Crossing Patrol Matters' in the summer of 2007. This newsletter provides all patrols in Cardiff with useful and informative information about the service. Click here to view the newsletter.
