§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what decision he has reached following the recent public consultation on proposed changes to the powers of school crossing patrols. [60652]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonMy noble Friend the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Lord Whitty, has announced today that the existing powers of School Crossing Patrols should be enhanced by allowing them to cross children of 681W any age along with any adults who may wish to use the facility. The existing time limits on when crossings may operate will also be removed. These proposals were supported by a large majority of those who responded to the public consultation.
The consultation also asked whether there was a need for the creation of community crossing patrolsa—attended crossings similar to school patrols but provided at any location where there was a perceived need for one. The majority of those who responded opposed this mainly on the grounds of cost and because there was no need for a further type of crossing in addition to the Zebra, Pelican and Puffin crossings which operate continually.
We will not therefore be proceeding with community crossing patrols but will be taking forward the School Crossing Patrol changes at the earliest legislative opportunity. A Press Notice giving further details has been placed in the Library.