Essex: School Crossing Patrols Under Threat

17 March 2014, 00:00

The future of some school crossing patrols in Essex could be under threat after the county council announced it is reviewing them.

The authority says it is part of its "current financial challenge" which sees it needing to save £235 million by 2017.

It currently provides a School Crossing Patrol Service at 203 sites across the county and says it wants to "develop long-term sustainable plans for the whole service.".

Part of this process will see it talk to schools about the possibility of instutions taking on a greater role in funding them.

What the county council is proposing is that schools fund the 55 patrols based at zebra or pelican crossings. A consultation on the issue has already started and is due to run until April 24.

County Councillor Rodney L Bass, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transportation said: "Due to the current economic climate and the pressure on local authority budgets we are reviewing the delivery of many aspects of public service delivery, particularly non-statutory services. 

"In relation to any changes to the School Crossing Patrol, no formal decisions have been made."

Parents and other interested parties will be invited to share their views on these proposed and potential changes. 
This will be available on Essex Insight at www.essexinsight.org.uk.

The council says outcomes of the responses will inform the future decisions.