Know your school crossing signals – children’s lives depend on it

With the better weather and more children likely to be walking to school, Orkney Islands Council is reminding all drivers to make sure they know and obey the signals given by school crossing patrol officers (SCPOs) at school crossings.

The reminder also comes following a recent spate of dangerous and inconsiderate driving and behaviour towards SCPOs.

Councillor Andrew Drever is Chair of the multi-agency Road Safety Forum.

“The Council’s team of dedicated School Crossing Patrol Officers do a fantastic job, in all weathers, helping children cross the road safely on their way to and from school. 

“Fortunately, most drivers are courteous and patient while School Crossing Patrol Officers carry out their duties, however there are increased instances of what is considered dangerous driving including speeding and threating behaviour towards Officers at their crossings.

“This not only places children in grave danger, it is totally unacceptable treatment of staff doing their job of keeping our bairns safe on their daily walk to school.

“We’d remind drivers that the signals used by SCPOs are laid down in the Highway Code – failure to obey them is breaking the law and could lead to tragic circumstances for drivers and for local family if a child, or children, is harmed or killed.”

PC Matt Deer from Orkney’s local policing team says SCPOs are always highly visible: “It’s important for drivers when they see a crossing up ahead to slow down and prepare to stop. Drivers must pay attention to the signals given by school crossing patrol officers – you’re required by law to stop when the officer holds their sign out diagonally into the road.

“Slowing down and being prepared to stop, any time you see children using our roads, is just good driving – and it can make the difference between a close call and a tragic, life changing accident.”

School Crossing Patrol Officer Bob Moar joined as a relief officer last autumn, and enjoys being part of daily community life in this way: “It gets you up and gets you going in the morning, and you get to have some banter with the youngsters while they wait. Most drivers are really good – there’s times though when maybe folks are running a peedie bit late, and they come past far too quickly and too close to where children are waiting. I’d like everyone to remember it is far, far better to be a few minutes late than to cause someone serious injury.”

P3 pupils from Papdale Primary joined PC Deer, Councillor Drever and Bob recently to pose for photos aimed at reminding the public about the signals they should know, so they can get to school safely and on time. 

Gregor said: “I like to walk to school as it keeps me fit.”

Lily said: “It gives you lots of fresh air.”

Sophie agreed: “Lots and lots of fresh air!”

Nicol walks to school nearly every day, with his two dogs: “It’s a nice way to start the day.”

Please remember, if you are approaching a school crossing patrol site:

• Be aware of your speed
• Slow down and be ready to stop
• Stop when the School Crossing Patrol Officer enters the roadway
• Wait patiently until all pedestrians are off the road and the School Crossing Patrol Offices returns to a safe place

The signals used by SCPOs are available from the Highway Code website at Highway Code website

Advice for parents and drivers is available on the Council website at School Crossing Patrols Page

If you would like to assist in helping children cross the road on their journey to and from school we have a relief post available if you would like to apply or get in touch for further information.

To find out more about working for the Council as a SCPO, or to report concerns about safety at school crossings, please email Rachel Ratter or by phone on 01856 353535 ext 2422 - or report dangerous driving straight to the Police on the national line 101.