Some schools will have to fund their own crossing patrols

Devon schools that don't meet strict criteria will be asked to fund their nearby crossing patrols, it was decided this afternoon.

The county council is facing a £50 million reduction in its funding in the next financial year and, as part of that, is to reduce its school crossing patrol budget by around £100,000 per year in the next two financial years.

Councillors were today asked to approve the criteria that determines whether an existing school crossing patrol qualifies for funding from the council. They were also asked to approve consultation with schools served by crossing patrols that do not meet the criteria.

The criteria, which forms part of operational guidelines from Road Safety Great Britain, is based on pedestrian and vehicle counts, consideration of zebra and light controlled crossings, site conditions and environmental factors.

At sites where the patrols do not meet the criteria, the council is looking to transfer costs to schools. However, it would continue to cover a proportion of the cost, supporting the maintenance of training, supervision and risk assessments.

Of Devon’s 116 school crossing patrols, 16 are currently funded by schools or rely on volunteers. In all cases, the council provides training, insurance, site assessments and personnel management.

The authority has said it would continue to support the crossing patrol service with training, supervision and risk assessments

The school crossing patrol service is not a statutory duty for the County Council, but as highway authority it has to ensure that the service provided is delivered safely in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act.