SCHOOL PATROLS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 79, 12 September 1947, Page 5

SCHOOL PATROLS

AT PRIMARY SCHOOL MOTORISTS’ OBLIGATIONS Parents of children who use the Domain Road crossing at the Primary School will feel more at ease since the establishing of Automobile Association School Patrols at that crossing.

The Patrols commenced duties on Wednesday when several boys were instructed in their duties by Mr R. S. Whitley, School Safety Instructor of Auckland and Patrol W. L. Dixon, of Whakatane. Inspector K. S. Sharp was also present. . Co-operation Wanted When interviewed by a representative of the Beacon the two A.A. officers said that full co-operation of motorists was urged. Prosecutions by the Transport Department in connection with crossings attended by the School Patrol had been successfully carried out in other centres but it was sincerely hoped that such extreme measures would not be necessary in Whakatane. Legal Position The legal position regarding crossings was not fully understood by many motorists. While the Patrol has his “Stop” sign extended ALL wheeled traffic (including bicycles) must stop whether there are children on the crossing or not. Under normal conditions traffic is required to yield right of way to pedestrians • only on the half of the road on which the approaching vehicle is entitled to travel.

It is an offence to park 1 within 20 feet of a pedestrian crossing. When a crossing is patrolled, however, the whole width of the crossing is closed to traffic if the Patrols’ signs are extended.

A Patrol may not withdraw his sign until the last of the pedestrians is clear of the roadway. When the sign is held straight across the body traffic is permitted right of way over the crossing. The legal status of the School Patrols is fully dealt with in the Traffic (Road Crossings) Regulations, December 1944, Serial No. 1944/181. In Busiest Cities The system has been in operation in some of the busiest city streets, both in this country and abroad, and is highly regarded by professional drivers who co-operate with the Patrols to the fullest possible extent. Feeling Of Satisfaction Inspector K. S. Sharp remarked on the feeling of satisfaction experienced by himself and Mr Dixon at the co-operation of the Headmaster, Mr Hubbard, in sponsoring the setting up of the School Patrols. Both have spared no efforts in pushing the institution of these and their aim has at last been realised.