School crossing patrols

Find out about our school crossing patrols and apply to become a school crossing patrol officer

We provide school crossing patrols to help children and adults cross the road in a safe way while they are walking to and from school.

Patrols have legal power to stop traffic to help adults and children cross the road.

It is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1984 if you don't stop when signalled to by a school crossing patrol.

If you don't stop, you:

  • could be fined up to £1000
  • get 3 penalty points on your licence

The Transport Act 2000 gives a patrol the right to stop traffic for any pedestrians and training is provided to the team to ensure the traffic and pedestrian flow is managed.

Staying safe when using a crossing

Parents and carers, pedestrians and motorists should follow all safety instructions given by the crossing patrol at the crossing. Parents and carers are responsible for the safety of their children while crossing.

You should:

  • stay on the pavement until instructed to cross by the patrol
  • keep children close while crossing
  • not ride bikes or scooters while crossing
  • stay alert and not use phones while crossing

How to request a School crossing patrol

Request must be made by a school or councillor.

You will need to:

  • contact the local school or your local councillor
  • give reasons why you are requesting one and identify a place where most pedestrians cross the road

Our school crossing patrol service will assess the location. We only do these assessments during term-time.

We then share the results of the assessment with the school or councillor who requested it.

Apply to be a school crossing patrol officer

You do not need previous experience and we will provide full training and uniform. The role is part-time and in term-time only.

If you are interested in becoming a school patrol officer, you can apply:

  • online by visiting Working for Essex
  • by calling 0333 0135 888 to ask us about our current vacancies

As a school crossing patrol officer, you will:

  • help pupils and other pedestrians to cross the road safely while managing the traffic flow
  • work each school day for around 40 minutes in the morning and afternoons during term-time

Complaints or compliments

If you have a complaint or compliment about our service please complete our online form.

We will respond to your complaint within 10 working days or let you know if we can not deal with it under our complaints policy.