CROSSINGS NEAR SCHOOLS

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 July 1941, Page 8

CROSSINGS NEAR SCHOOLS

PATROLS SYSTEM SUPPORTED.

WELLINGTON, July 29. The Road Safety Council to-day supported a scheme, proposed by the Commissioner of Transport after consultation with 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 approval by 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 a child patrol, his parents, the school, or the local body. The Crown Law Office has given an opinion that such a 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 their teachers. Assistance in training will be provided by 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.” Drivers must obey the stop signal. A booklet will be prepared by the Transport Department, in collaboration with the Education Department. 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 for each school patrol crossing. Patrol officers will be provided with waterproof capes and a distinctive uniform. The Commissioner of Transport (Mr. G. L. Laurenson) said: “Education boards have all given the proposals a favourable reception. This is particularly the case in Canterbury, where most of the headmasters have had experience in patrolling crossings. Local authorities, with very few exceptions, are in accord with the proposals, as also are commercial and motor interests. Motor unions are in general agreement; but the North Island Union stated that some automobile associations, notably Auckland, had organised school patrol work for a number of years and should continue to be identified with the scheme when it was regulated on a national basis.”