Hampshire council removes 11 school crossing patrols to save money

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 12:43 · Archive

Hampshire County Council has withdrawn 11 school crossing patrol sites, saving £66,000 a year.

Hampshire County Council has withdrawn 11 school crossing patrol sites across the county, saving around £66,000 a year. The council reviewed 30 of its 156 approved crossing patrol locations following a cabinet decision in October 2024. Of those reviewed, 11 patrols were withdrawn, 18 remain in operation and one is still under review. Each withdrawn patrol saves approximately £6,000 annually.

The council said it has 'no planned systematic review' of all crossing patrol sites. Instead, assessments take place only when posts become vacant. If a location no longer meets national criteria, the council does not recruit a replacement and the patrol is removed. Sites are assessed on factors including the age of pupils using the crossing.

According to a county councillor consulted on one removal in Bishopstoke, the decision was linked to both the age of pupils and ongoing recruitment difficulties. He noted that secondary school crossings are not considered a priority for patrols and that 'recruitment of new patrol people is extremely difficult'. Sites withdrawn include locations in West End, Horton Heath and Alton.

How it is being reported

• Alton school crossing patrol among 11 axed in HampshireEleven school crossing patrol sites - including one in Alton - have been withdrawn across Hampshire, saving the county council around £66,000 a year, newly released figures show.Bordon Herald · 10 Oct, 12:02
• Eleven school crossing patrols axed in Hampshire to save £66k a yearHampshire County Council withdraws 11 school crossing patrols, saving £66,000 a year, as 156 sites are reviewed across the county amid recruitment difficulties.Southern Daily Echo · 10 Oct, 11:41

In this story: Hampshire County Council · Hampshire · Bishopstoke · Alton

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