Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

Part III E+W+S Crossings and Playgrounds

Pedestrian crossings E+W+S

23 Powers of local authorities with respect to pedestrian crossings on roads other than trunk roads. E+W+S

[F1 (1) A local traffic authority may establish crossings for pedestrians on roads for which they are the traffic authority, and may alter or remove any such crossings.

The crossings shall be indicated in the manner prescribed by regulations under section 25 of this Act.]

(2) Before establishing, altering, or removing a crossing a [F2 local traffic authority]—

(a) shall consult the chief officer of police about their proposal to do so;

(b) shall give public notice of that proposal; and

(c) shall inform the Secretary of State in writing.

(3) It shall be the duty of a [F2 local traffic authority] to execute any works (including the placing, erection, maintenance, alteration and removal of marks and traffic signs) required—

(a) in connection with the establishment, alteration or removal of crossings in accordance with regulations having effect under section 25 of this Act, or

(b) in connection with the indication of crossings in accordance with such regulations.

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F3

F4 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 23(1) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 35(2); which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch.2. and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F2 Words in s. 23(2)(3) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 35(3); which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch.2, and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F3 S. 23(4) repealed by Local Government Act 1984 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 102(2)(3), Sch. 17

F4 S. 23(5) repealed (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1)(2), Sch. 8 para. 23(5), Sch.9; which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch.2, and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

24 Pedestrian crossings on trunk roads. E+W+S

[F5 The Secretary of State shall establish on roads for which he is the traffic authority such crossings] for pedestrians as he considers necessary, [F5 and execute] any works (including the placing, erection, maintenance, alteration and removal of marks and traffic signs) required in connection with the establishment of those crossings.

Textual Amendments

F5 Words in s. 24 substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para.36; which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2, and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

25 Pedestrian crossing regulations. E+W+S

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations with respect to the precedence of vehicles and pedestrians respectively, and generally with respect to the movement of traffic (including pedestrians), at and in the vicinity of crossings.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, regulations under that subsection may be made—

(a) prohibiting pedestrian traffic on the carriageway within 100 yards of a crossing, and

(b) with respect to the indication of the limits of a crossing, or of any other matter whatsoever relating to the crossing, by marks or devices on or near the roadway or otherwise, and generally with respect to the erection of traffic signs in connection with a crossing.

(3) Different regulations may be made under this section in relation to different traffic conditions, and in particular (but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing words) different regulations may be made in relation to crossings in the vicinity of, and at a distance from, a junction of roads, and in relation to traffic which is controlled by the police, and by traffic signals, and by different kinds of traffic signals, and traffic which is not controlled.

(4) Regulations may be made under this section applying only to a particular crossing or particular crossings specified in the regulations.

(5) A person who contravenes any regulations made under this section shall be guilty of an offence.

(6) In this section “crossing” means a crossing for pedestrians established—

(a) by a local authority under section 23 of this Act, or

(b) by the Secretary of State in the discharge of the duty imposed on him by section 24 of this Act,

and (in either case) indicated in accordance with the regulations having effect as respects that crossing; and, for the purposes of a prosecution for a contravention of the provisions of a regulation having effect as respects a crossing, the crossing shall be deemed to be so established and indicated unless the contrary is proved.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 25(1) amended (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1750, art. 4 Sch. 3; S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

School crossings E+W+S

26 Arrangements for patrolling school crossings. E+W+S

(1) Arrangements may be made by the appropriate authority for the patrolling of places where children cross roads on their way to or from school, or from one part of a school to another, during periods between the hours of eight in the morning and half-past five in the afternoon when children are so on their way, by persons appointed by or on behalf of the appropriate authority, other than constables.

(2) For the purposes of this section, in its application to England and Wales, the appropriate authority—

(a) as respects places [F6 outside Greater London] shall be the council of the county [F7 or metropolitan district] in which the places in question are;

(b) as respects places in the City of London, shall be the Common Council of the City; and

[F8 (c) as respects places in a London borough, shall be the council for the borough,]

and for the purposes of this section, in its application to Scotland, the appropriate authority shall be the [F9 council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994] .

(3) The functions of the appropriate authority for the purposes of arrangements under subsection (1) above shall include the duty to satisfy themselves of the adequate qualifications of persons appointed to patrol, and to provide requisite training of persons to be appointed.

(4) In taking decisions as to making arrangements under subsection (1) above—

[F10 (a)] in England or Wales, the council of a county [F7 or metropolitan district]. . ., shall have regard to any representations made to them F11 . . . by local authorities for localities in the county [F12 or], [F7 metropolitan district]. . ., as the case may be, [F13 and

(b) in Scotland, the regional council shall have regard to any representations made to them by district councils for areas in the region.]

[F14 (4A) Before making arrangements under subsection (1) above for the patrolling of places where children cross GLA roads, a London borough council or the Common Council of the City of London must consult Transport for London and take account of any representations made by Transport for London.]

(5) Any arrangements under subsection (1) above—

[F15 (a)] if made in England or Wales by the council of the county [F16 ,London borough][F17 or metropolitan district as respects places in the county [F16 , London borough] or district], may include an agreement between that council and the police authority for the police area in which those places are, [F18 or

(b) if made in Scotland by a regional council, may include an agreement between that council and any district council whose area comprises the place to which the arrangements relate,]

for the performance by the police authority, [F19 or, in Scotland, the district council,] on such terms as may be specified in the agreement, of such functions for the purposes of the arrangements as may be so specified.

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in s. 26(2)(a) substituted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(2)(a) (with Sch. 12 para 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F7 Words inserted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 2, 8(1), Sch. 5 para. 4(10)(b)

F8 S. 26(2)(c) substituted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(2)(b) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F9 Words in s. 26(2) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(a) (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F10 Word “a" in s. 26(4) repealed (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(b)(i), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F11 Words in s. 26(4) ceased to have effect (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(3)(a) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)) and words repealed (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 423, Sch. 34 Pt. VI (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F12 Words in s. 26(4) inserted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(3)(b) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F13 s. 26(4)(b) and preceding word “and" repealed (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(b)(ii), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F14 S. 26(4A) inserted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(4) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F15 Word “a" in s. 26(5) repealed (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(c)(i), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F16 Words in s. 26(5) inserted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(5) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F17 Words substituted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 2, 8(1), Sch. 5 para. 4(10)(c)

F18 s. 26(5)(b) and preceding word “or" repealed (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(c)(ii), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F19 Words in s. 26(5) repealed (S.)(1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(c)(iii), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

26 Arrangements for patrolling school crossings. E+W+S

(1) Arrangements may be made by the appropriate authority for the patrolling of places where children cross roads on their way to or from school, or from one part of a school to another, during periods between the hours of eight in the morning and half-past five in the afternoon when children are so on their way, by persons appointed by or on behalf of the appropriate authority, other than constables.

(2) For the purposes of this section, in its application to England and Wales, the appropriate authority—

(a) as respects places [F26 outside Greater London] shall be the council of the county [F27 or metropolitan district] in which the places in question are;

(b) as respects places in the City of London, shall be the Common Council of the City; and

[F28 (c) as respects places in a London borough, shall be the council for the borough,]

and for the purposes of this section, in its application to Scotland, the appropriate authority shall be the [F29 council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994] .

(3) The functions of the appropriate authority for the purposes of arrangements under subsection (1) above shall include the duty to satisfy themselves of the adequate qualifications of persons appointed to patrol, and to provide requisite training of persons to be appointed.

(4) In taking decisions as to making arrangements under subsection (1) above—

[F30 (a)] in England or Wales, the council of a county [F27 or metropolitan district][F31 , and the commissioner of police of the metropolis], shall have regard to any representations made to them [F31 or him]by local authorities for localities in the county [F32 or], [F27 metropolitan district [F31 or] metropolitan police district], as the case may be, [F33 and

(b) in Scotland, the regional council shall have regard to any representations made to them by district councils for areas in the region.]

[F34 (4A) Before making arrangements under subsection (1) above for the patrolling of places where children cross GLA roads, a London borough council or the Common Council of the City of London must consult Transport for London and take account of any representations made by Transport for London.]

(5) Any arrangements under subsection (1) above—

[F35 (a)] if made in England or Wales by the council of the county [F36 ,London borough][F37 or metropolitan district as respects places in the county [F36 , London borough] or district], may include an agreement between that council and the police authority for the police area in which those places are, [F38 or

(b) if made in Scotland by a regional council, may include an agreement between that council and any district council whose area comprises the place to which the arrangements relate,]

for the performance by the police authority, [F39 or, in Scotland, the district council,] on such terms as may be specified in the agreement, of such functions for the purposes of the arrangements as may be so specified.

Textual Amendments

F26 Words in s. 26(2)(a) substituted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(2)(a), (with Sch. 12 para 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F27 Words inserted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 2, 8(1), Sch. 5 para. 4(10)(b)

F28 S. 26(2)(c) substituted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(2)(b) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F29 Words in s. 26(2) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(a) (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F30 Word “a" in s. 26(4) repealed (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(b)(i), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F31 Words in s. 26(4) ceased to have effect (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(3)(a) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1))

F32 Words in s. 26(4) inserted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 288(1)(3)(b) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F33 s. 26(4)(b) and preceding word “and" repealed (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(b)(ii), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F34 S. 26(4A) inserted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 288(1)(4) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F35 Word “a" in s. 26(5) repealed (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(c)(i), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F36 Words in s. 26(5) inserted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 288(1)(5), 423 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F37 Words substituted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 2, 8(1), Sch. 5 para. 4(10)(c)

F38 s. 26(5)(b) and preceding word “or" repealed (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(c)(ii), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F39 Words in s. 26(5) repealed (S.)(1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(c)(iii), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

27 Expenses under s. 26 in metropolitan police district. E+W+S

(1) The expenses incurred for the purposes of section 26 of this Act by the council of a county any part of which is for the time being comprised in the metropolitan police district shall not be chargeable on that part.

(2) For the purposes of any arrangements made under section 26(1) of this Act by the commissioner of police of the metropolis, there shall be paid out of the metropolitan police fund such expenditure as the Secretary of State may direct to be so paid.

28 Stopping of vehicles at school crossings. E+W+S

(1) When between the hours of eight in the morning and half-past five in the afternoon a vehicle is approaching a place in a road where children on their way to or from school, or from one part of a school to another, are crossing or seeking to cross the road, a school crossing patrol wearing a uniform approved by the Secretary of State shall have power, by exhibiting a prescribed sign, to require the person driving or propelling the vehicle to stop it.

(2) When a person has been required under subsection (1) above to stop a vehicle—

(a) he shall cause the vehicle to stop before reaching the place where the children are crossing or seeking to cross and so as not to stop or impede their crossing, and

(b) the vehicle shall not be put in motion again so as to reach the place in question so long as the sign continues to be exhibited.

(3) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (a) of subsection (2) above, or who causes a vehicle to be put in motion in contravention of paragraph (b) of that subsection, shall be guilty of an offence.

(4) In this section—

(a) “prescribed sign” means a sign of a size, colour and type prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State or, if authorisation is given by the Secretary of State for the use of signs of a description not so prescribed, a sign of that description;

(b) “school crossing patrol” means a person authorised to patrol in accordance with arrangements under section 26 of this Act;

and regulations under paragraph (a) above may provide for the attachment of reflectors to signs or for the illumination of signs.

(5) For the purposes of this section—

(a) where it is proved that a sign was exhibited by a school crossing patrol, it shall be presumed, unless the contrary is proved, to be of a size, colour and type prescribed, or of a description authorised, under subsection (4)(b) above, and, if it was exhibited in circumstances in which it was required by the regulations to be illuminated, to have been illuminated in the prescribed manner;

(b) where it is proved that a school crossing patrol was wearing a uniform, the uniform shall be presumed, unless the contrary is proved, to be a uniform approved by the Secretary of State; and

(c) where it is proved that a prescribed sign was exhibited by a school crossing patrol at a place in a road where children were crossing or seeking to cross the road, it shall be presumed, unless the contrary is proved, that those children were on their way to or from school or from one part of a school to another.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 28(4)(a): certain functions transferred (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1750, art. 2, Sch. 1; S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

Street playgrounds E+W+S

[F20 29 Power to prohibit traffic on roads to be used as playgrounds. E+W+S

(1) For the purpose of enabling a road for which they are the traffic authority to be used as a playground for children, a local traffic authority may make an order prohibiting or restricting the use of the road by vehicles, or by vehicles of any specified class, either generally or on particular days or during particular hours.

The prohibition or restriction may be subject to such exceptions and conditions as to occasional use or otherwise as may be specified in the order.

(2) An order under this section shall make provision for permitting reasonable access to premises situated on or adjacent to the road.

(3) A person who uses a vehicle or causes or permits a vehicle to be used, in contravention of an order in force under this section shall be guilty of an offence.]

Textual Amendments

F20 S. 29 substituted for ss. 29, 30 (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para.37; which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2, and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

31 Byelaws with respect to roads used as playgrounds. E+W+S

(1) Where an order is or has been made [F24 under section 29 of this Act, the local traffic authority may] make byelaws authorising the use of the road as a playground for children and making provision—

(a) with respect to the admission of children to the road when used as a playground;

(b) with respect to the safety of children so using the road and their protection from injury by vehicles using the road for access to premises situated on or adjacent to it or otherwise; and

(c) generally with respect to the proper management of the road when used as a playground for children.

(2) Byelaws under this section shall be subject to confirmation [F25 by the Secretary of State].

Textual Amendments

F24 Words in s. 31(1) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para.38; which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch.2, and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F25 Words in s. 31(2) substituted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 2, 8(1), Sch. 5 para. 4(13)