Scholar Patrol Training for 27 West Coast Schools | Western Cape Government

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Scholar Patrol Training for 27 West Coast Schools

23 July 2015

The Department of Transport and Public Works will be training 12 and 13-year olds to be safety patrol officers at 27 primary schools on the West Coast. This intervention, set to take place from July to September 2015, will assist children to safely cross busy roads on the way to school.

Eleven of the schools are located in the Saldanha Bay Municipality, six are in Swartland, six in Matzikama, two in Berg River and two in the Cederberg Municipality. Together with these municipalities, the Department will be conducting regular needs assessments at these schools to identify and remedy any infrastructural road safety deficiencies. Problems such as a lack of adequate road signs and markings will quickly be addressed.

The Department recognises that scholar patrols are a vital part of road safety education and a critical enhancement of learner safety. Scholar patrol officers regulate traffic, slow down vehicles and facilitate safe crossing. In addition, they instil an awareness among young pedestrians of the importance of road safety.

How It Works

Four scholar patrol officers use stop signs to control the flow of traffic at a pedestrian crossing. The patrol captain uses a whistle to direct the opening and closing of the crossing. All members wear bright safety bibs over their uniforms, as well as caps donated by the Road Safety Management component of the Department. They are always supervised by one or two teachers. In addition, they have to attend regular meetings to discuss any problems. They are expected to report for duty on time wearing the proper attire.

This road safety initiative will also be conducted at primary schools in other districts of the Western Cape throughout this year. 

Media Enquiries: 
Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
Cell: 079 281 8570
Email: byron.lahoe@westerncape.gov.za

 

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