§ Mr. TruswellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the(a) contribution to road safety, (b) recruitment, remuneration and retention and (c) extension of responsibilities to include assistance to people with disabilities of school crossing wardens. [150710]
§ Mr. HillThe Government fully recognise that school crossing patrols provide a valuable service to local communities, making it safe and easier for children, parents and other pedestrians to cross busy roads. However, questions as to where they should be provided and to the terms and conditions of employment of the patrol officers, are a matter for individual local authorities. My Department has made no centralised assessment of such matters.
Recent amendments to previous legislation, through the Transport Act 2000, have given school crossing patrols wider powers. When in operation, they now have authority to help anyone who seeks their assistance in crossing the road, and not just children on their way to or from school.