§ Mrs. GoldingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice his Department is giving local authorities in respect of the legality of lollipop people escorting children of pre-school age across busy roads.
§ Mr. KeySections 26 and 28 of the Road Traffic Act 1984 empower school crosssing patrols to stop traffic only at places where
children cross roads on their way to or from school, or from one part of a school to another".The words "children" and "school" are not defined. The interpretation of the law is a matter for the courts, but it would seem that the legislation would not prevent school crossing patrols from escorting children to or from an educational institution that provides education or instruction to children of no predetermined minimum age. This would include a nursery school or playgroup. It is, however, for appropriate authorities to decide their own policy in this matter, consulting their own legal advisers as necessary.