SCHOOL PATROLS IN N.Z.

Southland Times, Issue 24243, 28 September 1940, Page 13

SCHOOL PATROLS IN N.Z.

-—. n Road Crossings For Children SCHEME SUBMITTED TO EDUCATION BOARD Proposals submitted by the Transport Department for the establishment of school crossings and of patrols at suitable schools throughout New Zealand were considered by the Southland Education Board at its meeting yesterday. The proposals were forwarded by the Department of Education and it was stated that the matter was of great importance. Ever since instruction in road conduct had been actively undertaken in the schools the number of road accidents involving school children had shown a substantial decline. “It is realized that this early education and training in road conduct is the greatest single factor in reducing road accidents,” continued the letter from the department. “The Transport Department has been most helpful in this direction and is desirous of obtaining the views of the education boards before proceeding further in the matter. The proposals are designed to extend, on a uniform basis, the measures which are now proving successful in some centres.” Hie following points were outlined:— (1) In the majority of cases schools be asked to assume responsibility for placing the advance signs, namely, movable standard crossing indications, in position before the school day began and removing them at the end of the school day. (2) Patrol service to be voluntary. The consent of parents for children to act would be necessary. (3) Patrol members when displaying the “stop” sign would not stand on the roadway, but would remain on the footpath. (4) An amendment was proposed to the traffic regulations whereby when both stop signs were displayed, traffic approaching from either direction would be required to stop and yield the complete right-of-way to the children. Something had already been done in this direction said the chairman (Mr S. Rice). He understood that the patrol system had been inaugurated in Southland and other districts had followed suit. This was a matter that would be discussed by the head masters and perhaps a conference arranged with the traffic inspector. In this way a scheme could be evolved which would be suitable to Southland. “There can be no doubt that the scheme is a sound one,” added Mr Rice. “If patrols can be organized which would make for greater safety, then it is our job to do it.”

It was decided to refer the scheme to the Head Masters’ Association for an expression of opinion.