Recently all Woodend year 5 and 6 students took part in School Crossing Monitor Training conducted by the South Australian Police. This involves students being trained by Road Safety Educators from the SA Police Road Safety Section. All students who were trained will receive a Certificate of Authority issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police which, under the Road Traffic Act 1961 authorises the student to work as school crossing monitor. The certificate authorises the student to stop traffic using a Stop Sign or using Pedestrian Actuated Traffic Lights, as well as give reasonable directions to pedestrians for the safe and efficient movement of traffic at or on the crossing as in their opinion is necessary.

The training involves learning how to safely stop vehicles at a school crossing and performing safety assessments on when it is safe for children to cross the road (this includes asking the monitors to check that all vehicles have stopped prior to pedestrians walking onto the crossing). The session also includes safe sign handling techniques and positioning within the crossing.

It is extremely important that all people (including parents) use the crossings and become good road safety role models, by following the School Crossing Monitor’s directions, not only for their safety but the safety of all students and road users.

If parents have any questions about the training the Road Safety Section is happy to receive these inquiries on the telephone number 82076586.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Thank you

Acting Sergeant Nigel ALLEN

Program Co-ordinator Road Safety

South Australian Police