Mr. Michael J. FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on amending the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, with particular reference to school crossing patrols. [43678]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe then Department of Transport issued a consultation document on review of road traffic regulation law in 1996. This contained a wide range of proposals for amending the 1984 Act. Over 400 responses were received. The Government are considering how to take matters forward in the various areas covered.
One of the subjects discussed in the consultation was school crossing patrols. In the light of the responses received, my right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport announced on 21 May that the Government propose, when a suitable legislative opportunity arises, to remove the current restrictions on the hours during which these can operate, and to ensure that school crossing patrols can escort any person across the road. They also propose to consult on a further amendment, that would enable crossing patrols to be provided at any location where the local traffic authority considered it desirable to do so in order to help any pedestrians to cross the road.