The need to ensure the safety of children, especially on their journeys to and from school is paramount to the Council’s aims of reducing road traffic casualties whilst encouraging active travel to school. The school crossing patrol service plays a vital role in delivering these aims.
Dudley's service has 116 sites with emergency cover being provided by 22 standby patrols.
Would you like to get involved?
We are always looking for suitable people for this worthwhile role. We look for reliable and caring people:
- over 18 years old
- with good eyesight and hearing
- who can pass our health and police checks
- able to work for about half an hour in the morning and half an hour in the afternoon on all school days
There are currently a number of vacancies, in Halesowen, Pedmore, Wollescote, Amblecote, Wordsley, Kingswinford, Netherton, Dudley and Brockmoor.
Details of these, the job description and the person specification can be found in the related documents section at the end of this page. Dudley Council is committed to Safeguarding children, and this post is subject to an enhanced CRB check.
Unlike many other authorities the whole ethos of the service is to attempt to provide cover at all established sites where absence is notified in excess of 30 minutes prior to the start time.
All sites for School Crossing Patrols are assessed using strict criteria to ensure the provision is justified. The deployment policy can be viewed in the related documents section.
How do I request and School Crossing Patrol?
Requests can be made using our online
School Crossing Patrol Request Form. Following a request we will survey the area to see if it meets the national criteria which includes a vehicle and pedestrian count.
Please note: School Crossing Patrols will only be provided in areas where the vehicle and pedestrian count meets the national criteria
How do I cross with a School Crossing Patrol (SCP)
School Crossing Patrols (lollipop ladies / men) are one of only three groups of people who are allowed to stop traffic, the others being traffic wardens and police officers. Only trained SCPs may use a “lollipop”, and they must operate at a designated site. SCPs can cross adults and children across the road.
Rules for crossing with a SCP:
Walk on the pavement to the SCP
Tell them you would like to cross
Wait away from the kerb, on the pavement
Stay on the pavement while the SCP checks it is safe and walks into the road
Cross when the SCP says you can
Walk across the road in a straight line (do not run)
Cross in front of the SCP
If you are on a bike, push it across the road
Say thank you!
Some SCPs work on zebra / pelican / puffin crossings – at these locations the same rules apply. When a SCP is on duty at a light controlled crossing, members of the public should wait for them to press the button.
Remember: even where an SCP is provided, parents remain responsible for ensuring their children’s safety.
The Law
Dudley's School Crossing Patrol Service is provided under Section 26 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984.
School crossing patrols can by law stop traffic for any pedestrian to cross the road. Any motorist failing to stop when requested by a school crossing patrol is committing an offence and will be reported to the police for prosecution.
