What is being proposed?
The Council is proposing a significant reduction in the non-statutory School Crossing Patrol (SCP) Service. Every two years the Council review school crossing patrol sites, taking account of factors including pedestrian and traffic volumes, vehicle types and speeds, visibility, lighting, road markings and the age of children using the crossing. This information alongside additional local knowledge has provided a priority ranking for each school crossing patrol sites.
Therefore the current school crossing points have been categorised according to priority as follows:
- 6 high priority
- 6 medium priority
- 26 low priority
- 3 requiring further review and traffic counts before a recommendation is made.
The proposal is to retain high-priority crossing points and disestablish those assessed as medium or low priority. If implemented, 32 crossing points would be disestablished and 15 staffed posts deleted.
Frequently asked questions
What is being proposed?
The Council is proposing a significant reduction in the School Crossing Patrol (SCP) Service as part of wider budget savings proposals being considered for 2027/28. Under the proposal, school crossing patrols would be retained at sites assessed as high priority, while sites assessed as medium or low priority would be disestablished.
Why is the council considering this proposal?
The Council is facing significant financial challenges and currently projects a budget gap of £20.3 million for 2027/28. The proposal forms part of a wider review of non-statutory services and potential efficiency savings.
Has a decision already been made?
No. No final decisions have been made. Consultation feedback will be considered before any decisions are taken.
Why are School Crossing Patrols being reviewed?
School Crossing Patrol services are not a statutory requirement for local authorities. The Council is reviewing a range of services to identify savings.
How were the crossing points assessed?
The Council assesses crossing points using established School Crossing Patrol guidance, taking account of traffic volumes, pedestrian numbers, speeds, visibility, lighting, road markings and the age of children using the crossing.
How many crossing patrol sites are there currently?
The current assessment identifies 6 high-priority sites, 6 medium-priority sites, 26 low-priority sites and 3 sites requiring further review.
Which crossing patrols would remain?
The proposal is to retain patrols at the six sites assessed as high priority.
Which crossing patrols would be removed?
The current proposal is to disestablish sites assessed as medium or low priority.
How many crossing points could be affected?
If approved, the proposal would result in the disestablishment of 32 crossing points.
How many staff could be affected?
The proposal could result in the deletion of 15 staffed School Crossing Patrol posts.
How much money would the proposal save?
The proposal is expected to generate staffing savings of approximately £187,242 per year.
How will children's safety be protected?
Safety remains a key consideration. Parents and carers are ultimately responsible for ensuring children are safe travelling to schools. However, patrols would still be retained at locations assessed as having the highest level of need. In addition further road safety mitigations could be implemented such as installation of automated crossings, school streets, walking buses, safe travel guidance and independent travel training.
What about the sites that still need reviewing?
Three locations require additional traffic counts and assessment work before recommendations can be made.
What consultation will take place?
Subject to Cabinet approval, public consultation is expected to run from 19 October to 30 November 2026.
How can I share my views?
Details of how to take part in the consultation will be published if consultation is approved.
When will a final decision be made?
Final decisions are expected to be made as part of the 2027/28 budget-setting process in February 2027.
Where can I find more information?
Further information is available in the Cabinet papers and any consultation material that is published.
Could the proposal change following consultation?
Yes. Consultation feedback and further assessments will be considered before final decisions are taken.
Why are some crossing points considered low priority if they are still used by children?
Priority ratings reflect relative need and risk based on assessment criteria. They do not mean a crossing point is unimportant.