SCHOOL PATROLS

Evening Star, Issue 23950, 30 July 1941, Page 5

SCHOOL PATROLS

ROAD GROSSINGS IN POPULOUS PARTS SAFETY COUNCIL SUPPORTS SCHEME (P.A.) WELLINGTON’, July 29. The Road Safety Council at its meeting to-day supported a scheme proposed by the Commissioner of Transport, Mr G. L. Laurenson, . after consultation with the education boards, local authorities. and motorists’ organisations in both islands, for the institution of school patrols at road crossings near schools on main thoroughfares. The proposals have been given the approval of practically all the authorities consulted. The question was discussed at an earlier meeting of the Road Safety Council, but there was then doubt as to the legal liability of the school patrol, his parents, the school, or the local body. The Crown Law Office has given its opinion that such liability would be remote. The plan of the school patrol system is that patrols may be established at ordinary pedestrian crossings or at temporary crossings at schools. The patrols will be selected by the teachers, and assistance in training will be provided bv traffic inspectors or qualified persons. Two patrols will be on duty at a time, one on each footpath, and each carrying a sign bearing the word “ Stop,’-'

which drivers must obey. A signal booklet will be prepared by the Transport Department in collaboration with the Education Department. In order to indemnify teachers and patrol officers in the event of an accident. however remote, the Government is to be asked to arrange an insurance cover in respect of each school. The patrol officers will be provided with waterproof capes and a distinctive uniform. “ The education boards have all given the proposals a favourable reception,” Mr Laurenson said. “This was particularly the case in Canterbury, where most of the head masters have had experience of patrolling crossings. The 'local authorities, with very few executions, are in accord with the proposals. as also are the commercial motor' interests and the motor unions, but the North Island Motor Union stated that some automobile associations, notably Auckland, had organised school patrol work for a number of years and should 6

continue to be identified with th« scheme when it is regulated on a national] basis.” PATROLS ORIGINATED IN DUNEDIN. Indignation over the manner in whicK Auckland is associated with the organising of school patrols as mentioned in the above message was expressed this morning by the secretary of the Automobile Association (Mr P. F. Havre).. School patrols, he said, were instituted and organised by the local association, as far back as 1929. It was from this beginning that the idea spread to other parts of the Dominion, and Auckland merely adopted the idea along with other associations after Dunedin had proved its value.