Environment and roads

School crossing patrols

The School Crossing Patrol Service started in July 1954 to help children walk to and from school safely.

The so-called 'lollipop ladies and men' quickly became popular with children and parents.

Hertfordshire has about 160 paid school crossing patrols that are managed by the Road Safety Unit at County Hall.

Primary schools in Hertfordshire are assessed to see if they meet the criteria for needing a patrol. These are based on national standards however Hertfordshire County Council has set lower criteria, meaning more schools can have patrols.

Legal powers

Drivers should be aware that crossing patrols have legal powers. Failure to stop for a patrol can lead to a fine, penalty points and even loss of your driving licence. Their powers were extended in 2001 so they can assist all pedestrians to cross the road. This can include a parent with a child under school age, or an elderly or mobility-impaired person who would find it easier to cross with a patrol.

We need you!

Hertfordshire has a number of vacant sites across the county. We are always interested to hear from anyone who would like to become a school crossing patrol. You would need to be aged 18 to 74, medically fit and enjoy working outside. Job sharing is possible; maybe a group of friends can work a rota system. We provide winter and summer uniform and full on-site training. We also provide courses on relevant topics.

All our patrols are vetted by the police before being taken on and are insured while they are at work. There is up to four weeks' paid holiday and half pay in all school holidays. We visit the patrols once a term to give an opportunity to discuss any issues they have.

So if you would like to find out more and become a patrol yourself, please contact heather.hill@hertscc.gov.uk or phone 01992 556815.