A New School Crossing Patrol for Watford children attending St Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Primary School, Garston Manor School and
Future Academies Watford School on Horseshoe Lane, Garston, are now able to enjoy safe and active journeys, thanks to a new School Crossing Patrol.
Hertfordshire County Council introduced the crossing in October and new School Crossing Patrol, Sarah Hamilton, has quickly settled into assisting families at the busy crossing point which is situated outside Watford Leisure Centre. Sarah, along with over 140 other School Crossing Patrols around the county, enable children of all ages to travel to and from school safely, helping to reduce car usage and lowering congestion and pollution levels. St Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Primary School has recently been awarded a Bronze accreditation through the national on-line Modeshift STARS scheme for its sustainable travel plan.
The plan encourages pupils to walk, cycle or scoot on short journeys to and from school and with their new School Crossing Patrol on duty journeys become much safer. Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways and Transport, Hertfordshire County Council, said: “It is great that a School Crossing Patrol has been established at this location. It is vitally important that we make it as easy and safe as possible for children, their parents, and carers to travel to and from school by walking, cycling, or scooting. I want to make Hertfordshire a cleaner, greener, healthier county and School Crossing Patrols play a key role in making this happen.’’
Nicola Kane, Headteacher at St Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Primary School, said: “We are incredibly pleased that Sarah has been appointed as our new School Crossing Patrol Officer and she has quickly become a highly-valued member of our school community. We are grateful to Councillor Tim Williams and the Hertfordshire Highways Team for working with all the local schools to find a solution to improve road safety in the area. We are also delighted to be awarded the bronze Modeshift STARS award. At St Catherine’s we are committed to sustainability and it is wonderful to be recognised for a travel plan that promotes a healthy lifestyle and sustainable living, by encouraging our families to avoid using cars where possible.”
