What is a school crossing?
Find out what a school crossing is and how to use one
Although they consist solely of a person holding a sign rather than the lights and sounds of permanent crossings, stopping at a school crossing is still a legal requirement for vehicles under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
School crossings are usually located (you guessed it) outside schools that are situated on particularly busy roads. Naturally, keeping children safe is hugely important, so these setups provide a clear and supervised way to cross a road that might not have any other safe options.
A dedicated crossing guard will be dressed in high-visibility clothing while holding a large yellow ‘lollipop’ stop sign with a red ring around it. When it is safe to do so, the guard will walk out into the centre of the road and remain there with their sign while guiding the children across the road.
Drivers usually have some pre-warning that they’re approaching a school crossing, too, as a permanent triangular ‘school’ warning sign will be located a bit further up the road. Flashing yellow lights often accompany these signs too, and are activated at times when children are arriving or leaving the school in question.
School crossing rules and how to use one
Pedestrians
Every pedestrian, young and old, should look for the crossing guard and wait near them, remaining on the pavement. If the guard is on the opposite side of the road, just give them a polite signal that you intend to cross and require their help.
All you’ll need to do now is wait for the guard to stop the traffic and permit you to cross safely. Follow the guard’s instructions and get clear of the road as soon as possible. If you are on a bicycle, dismount before crossing.
Drivers
If you see a permanent 'school' warning sign, watch your speed and be prepared to stop - especially if it has flashing yellow lights accompanying it. If a crossing guard is on the road, they should be treated as a red traffic light, regardless of whether they are walking or standing.
Be sure to stop at a reasonable distance away from the guard and those crossing. Once the people crossing are clear, only proceed when the crossing guard is also clear of the road. In addition to this, be extra wary of your surroundings and keep your speed low. Young children aren’t always the best at following rules and could suddenly appear elsewhere on the road.
