§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what criteria are recommended by his Department for use by regional and islands councils when deciding to establish school crossing patrols;
(2) if he will publish the number of existing school crossing patrols per 1,000 head of school population for each relevant local authority in Scotland;
(3) what guidance is given to local authorities about steps to be taken when school crossing patrols are withdrawn.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 3 February 1992]: Section 26 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 enables regional and islands councils in Scotland to provide school crossing patrols. Guidance on the establishment of school crossing patrols is contained in technical memorandum SH7/87 issued to regional and islands councils by the Scottish Office in December 1987 after consultation with local authorities and the police. The guidance does not specifically deal with the withdrawal of particular crossing patrols.
Information about the number of school crossing patrols per head of school population is not held centrally.