Proposed changes to County Durham’s school crossing patrol service will be discussed by councillors when they meet next week.
The changes would see the removal of lunchtime services at 60 sites where no children actually leave the school grounds unaccompanied during this period. Patrols would be kept on at six sites where pupils do leave the premises during the lunchbreak.
Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member said: “Pupil road safety is a priority for the County Council and we have a good track recording in providing school crossing patrols over and above national requirements.
“However, like all councils we are continuing to have to make savings and improve the efficiency of our services.
“The proposal to remove lpatrols at sites where no unaccompanied pupils are using them will ensure we can continue to provide services at locations where they are most needed.”
The changes, which would not affect morning and afternoon crossing patrols, would be expected to result in annual savings of £163,986.
Before any changes could be introduced a consultation with those affected, including staff, schools, pupils and their families, will need to be carried out.
If the changes go ahead the schools affected would be given the opportunity to fund the crossing patrol out of their own budgets if they want the lunchtime service to be retained.
A report to Durham County Council’s Cabinet recommends that there are no further changes to the school crossing patrol policy – which sets the criteria for providing a patrol, based on volumes of traffic and pedestrians.
In County Durham the agreed criteria exceeds the national standard for the provision of sites and the school crossing patrol service is over and above that provided in many other areas.
This would continue to be the case even if the proposals to remove lunchtime services at 60 sites are agreed.
Cabinet will be asked to agree to a consultation taking place when members meet at County Hall on Sept 11th.