The use of school-crossing patrols has been the subject of debate in Sweden for many years. In this study, the intention has been to produce further factual information on crossing patrols so that municipal officials will have a broader basis for their decisions. The results show that the use of crossing patrols is continuing to decline. It was also found that there are both positive and negative aspects of these activities. One of the advantages is that car driver slow down when approaching pedestrian crossings manned by patrols. Among the disadvantages are children's uncertainty about their work, problems in making the right decision in difficult situations and the unpleasant nature of the working environment. The project is divided into four sub-studies. Sub-study 1 aims at measuring the extent of crossing patrol activities in Sweden through a questionnaire sent to officials in all the Swedish municipalities. It was found that 9 percent of the schools in Sweden operate crossing patrols. These activities are decreasing successively. Sub-study 2 illustrates children's own attitudes to these activities determined through interviews with school pupils. The replies show large variations in the way children regard their role, the responsibility involved and the value of their work. Sub-study 3 observes crossing patrols at work. Here, too, there were large variations in the way these activities are carried out. It was found that the crossing patrols do not always operate in the intended way. Sub-study 4 focuses on speed adaptation by car drivers at a pedestrian crossing. Here, it was found that they drive more slowly if a crossing patrol is in operation. In general, the results indicate the need to consider alternative activities such as improvement of the road environment by means of separation or the use of adults for crossing patrols. (A)
Abstract