Relevant Information
Frequently Asked Questions
- Child Pedestrian Training
- Child Cyclist Training
- Experienced Drivers
- Mobile Phones
- School Crossing Patrols
Child Pedestrian Training
Q. As a school, we want to conduct the Right Start pedestrian training programme again in the new school year – how do we go about it?
A. Inform the Road Safety Group giving at least two weeks notice – the easiest way is by faxing your preferred course dates form from the relevant stage handbook (fax no. 01772 531469).
Child Cyclist Training
Q. How do I get my child on a Passport to Safer Cycling course?
A. Passport to Safer Cycling is delivered mainly through schools to children who are in there final year at Primary School (Year 6) they must be 10 years of age or over. Contact your Child's school to find out if it takes part in the scheme, you may even consider volunteering to become an approved trainer yourself.
Q. Why don't you offer Passport to Safer Cycling courses to children younger than 10 years?
A. Research says that children younger than 10 years have difficulty in dealing with the twin tasks of controlling a bicycle and dealing with traffic. This research was carried out by RoSPA and the Transport Research Laboratory.
Experienced Drivers
Q. As an experienced driver, it is a while since I received any formal driver training – how can I refresh my driving skills?
A. The Group’s ‘Drive On’ leaflet gives experienced drivers the low-down on how to continue to be a safe driver. It explains how the demands of the modern highway demand more from motorists. You could also take part in a two-day Driver Improvement Course (fee applicable) where Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) will guide and refresh your basic driving skills.
Mobile Phones
Q. I’ve just bought a new mobile phone complete with a hands-free kit for my car. Does this mean I can legally use my phone while driving?
A. No – not unless you also have a cradle fitted in your car and your phone is placed in the cradle. However, you could still be prosecuted if you are caught driving without due care and attention whilst using your hands-free phone in the cradle – so drive safely and remember to switch off -missing a call won’t kill you.
School Crossing Patrols
Q. How do I apply for a school crossing patrol?
A. Applications should be made in writing to the Road Safety Group. You will need to supply as much information as possible such as name of the school that the Patrol will serve and the exact location of the School Crossing Patrol point. It is helpful if you can also include a reasonably accurate plan of the site (or use the Mario Mapping System to print a detailed map of the area). Arrangements can then be made for the site to be assessed.
Q. How do you work out if we can have a patrol etc?
A. When a possible site has been identified a vehicle and pedestrian count is undertaken. To meet the required criteria the formula PV2 is used (number of unaccompanied children of primary school age X number of vehicles squared). This needs to reach a minimum of 2 million (4 million nationally) and there must be at least 10 unaccompanied children cross (15 nationally). This figure increases to 100 million for sites at pelican crossing and most secondary schools.
Q. Who do I contact about an absent patrol?
A. You should contact the Road Safety Group on 0800 195 1273 quoting the School Crossing Patrol site reference number or providing the exact location.
