During the financial year 2019/20 Moray Council took the decision to dispense with the role of School Crossing Patrollers as they provided a non-statutory service. This decision by Moray Council was taken to help address a budget deficit.
29 sites were affected across Moray with this valuable service terminating on the 28th June 2019.
Moray Council advised parents that they were responsible for their children’s safe travel for the whole journey to and from school.
Local MP Douglas Ross has previously written to Moray Council on this issue and was recently advised that speed checks and other investigations were to be carried out once the schools returned from the pandemic restrictions allowing schools to re-open.
On Monday (10th) a child was struck by a vehicle at this location and although hospitalised the injuries were not deemed serious.
Scottish Conservative MP for Moray Douglas Ross said:
“I am obviously concerned about the lack of School Crossing Patrollers across Moray, but the situation atKinloss Primary School really worries me. There has now been a child struck by a car as they were leaving school and although their injuries were not serious, its still a very concerning accident.
“Local parents are understandably concerned as the B9089 Kinloss-Roseisle Road is particularly busy with all sorts of traffic.
“I have contacted Moray Council again to ask for an update on the speed checks they were to carry out at this location and to ask what plans they have to install other safety measures including the consideration of a pedestrian crossing. I’ve also asked them where parents would stand legally if they provided Volunteer Crossing Patrollers, equipped with suitable reflective clothing.
“It is important that we try and find a solution to this very real issue and in doing so I am happy to work with Moray Council, local Councillors, parents and the school to deliver a safe crossing for pupils.”
Local Councillor Claire Feaver said “I have been really concerned about the lack of School Crossing patrollers across Moray especially on roads with a large amount of through traffic, as the safety of our children should be paramount. I had hoped we could use the Safer Streets initiative to address the problem and also put in place pedestrian crossings and zebra crossings where appropriate. I am more than happy to work with Douglas, parents, community councils and other partner groups to come up with a satisfactory solution and outcome to this issue.”
