ROAD CROSSINGS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLX, Issue 22028, 30 July 1941, Page 4

ROAD CROSSINGS

School Patrols To Be Instituted Safety Council Endorses Scheme (P.A.) 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 nfear schools oh mafii thoroughfares. Tile 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 a doubt as tb 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 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. Thfe patrols will be selected by their teachers. Assistance and training will be provided by traffic inspectors or qualified persons. Two patrols will be on duty at a time, one bn each footpath and each carrying a sign tearing the word “stop." Drivers must obey thfe stop signal. A booklet will be prepared by the Transport Department ih 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 patrol. Crossing patrol officers will be provided with waterproof capes and a distinctive uniform. The Commissioner of Transport, Mr G. T. Lautenson, said that education boards nad all given , the proposals favourable reception. This was particularly the case ih Canterbury where most Of thfe headmasters had experience Of patrolling crosstags. Local authorities, With very few exceptions Were in accord with the proposals as also were commercial motor interests. Motor unions in general agreement but the North Island Union stated that sortife automobile associations, nbtftbly Auckland, had oi-gafiisfed school patrol Work fob a number bf years arid should continue to be Identified wltfi thfe scheme When it Was regulated brt a national basis..