Time for return of school crossing patrollers, say local Conservatives
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MORAY Council's Conservative group is to press for a return of school crossing patrollers to local streets.
The council was the first in Scotland to scrap school crossing patrollers – a non-statutory service – in summer 2019.
All 29 posts were axed in the council's 2019/20 budget to save £120,000.
Local Conservatives say parents continue to raise concerns with local councillors that their children are facing difficult and risky trips to school.
Leader of the Conservative group Councillor Tim Eagle (Buckie) said: "The Conservative group always recognised the precarious financial position the council was in when this decision was made, but on balance were not supportive of the total cut to the service.
"It was hoped that mitigation could include the installation of crossing points as well as park smart initiatives.
"However, over the last few years it has become obvious that, despite the best efforts of staff, mitigation is not easy or works in every situation.
"We have schools in a variety of positions and while some schools require no school crossing patroller support, others are criss-crossed by major, heavily-trafficked roads.
"It is not always possible to install traffic-calming measures or pedestrian crossings in these areas. That leaves a huge inequity across Moray's schools."
He added: "That is why, this year, we will seek for school crossing patrollers to return to schools where no crossing can be installed or there are not suitable and safe crossing locations.
"It is time to correct the mistakes of the past and I hope other groups will support us."
Traffic lights are to be installed at Elgin Academy, on Morriston Road, next year. There are been calls from parents and residents to site them closer to Bishopmill Primary School, around 320 metres to the east of the secondary.
Councillor Frank Brown (Elgin North) added: "Morriston Road in Elgin is a classic example of where the removal of school crossing patrollers has caused a huge issue.
"I know there are similar stories in areas like Lossiemouth, Buckie and Forres.
"Morriston Road is very busy, with Moray's biggest high school and a large primary next door to each other.
"The layout of the area has meant installing pedestrian crossings in our favoured location is not possible but one further away won't help with the safety of younger children crossing to Bishopmill Primary.
"While work should continue to encourage active travel to school and make roads safer around schools, we must realise that school crossing patrollers are a vital part in that, and so we have taken the decision to call for their return."
Former school crossing patroller Lee Nicholls enjoyed his job near Cluny Primary School, in Buckie, helping children cross the road at a busy intersection with Queen Street.
He said: "After parents and young people commented to me about the removal of the service I have had regular contact with councillors raising my concerns. I am pleased to see this will be discussed again."
A Moray Council spokesperson said: "We understand the concerns being raised, but any reintroduction of school crossing patrollers is a matter for councillors to debate and make a decision on amongst other council service priorities."
