School crossing patrols - advice for drivers

Please give our school crossing patrols consideration and assistance. They are there to help vulnerable pedestrians, in all weathers, to use our roads safely.

Please remember to:

  • park well away from them, so they can see clearly in both directions
  • reduce speed and be prepared to stop
  • obey instructions
  • completely stop your vehicle when asked to do so, do not roll forward
  • wait until the crossing patrol person has returned to pavement before moving off.

Please be aware of these instructions from the school crossing patrol.

  • School crossing patrol lady with sign upside downSign upside down

    When the crossing patrol person holds their sign (or lollipop!) upside down this means they are not ready to take children or other pedestrians across the road.

  • School crossing patrol lady with sign held sideways Sign side ways

    When the crossing patrol person holds their sign side ways this is to act as a barrier to stop children crossing until it is safe to do so.

  • School crossing patrol lady with sign about to cross road Sign held up high

    When the crossing patrol person is ready to cross children they will stand at the side of the road and hold their sign up high. When this happens vehicles must be prepared to stop.

  • School crossing patrol lady with arm outstretchedSign extended out

    When the crossing patrol person has their arms and sign outstretched this means all vehicles must stop. You should wait until the crossing patrol person has returned to the pavement before moving off.

It is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1984 if you do not stop when signalled to do so by a school crossing patrol.
We take the health and safety of our patrols very seriously. If you do not stop you will be reported to the Police and the possible penalties include:

  • A fine up to £1000
  • three penalty points
  • disqualification.
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