Road Patrol begins

After being trained by police this week, St Patrick’s School students are now undertaking road patrol duties.

The school roll has grown substantially, prompting a traffic safety collaboration between the school, police, and the Grey District Council, which is situated directly across the road.

West Coast School Community Officer Constable Terri Middleton and Senior Constable James Matthews, who work with road patrollers across the West Coast, said the amazing Road Wardens patrol in their own time, and do a great job keeping kids safe.

“We did training with St Patrick’s pupils last week, and it went operational this week.”

School principal Ian Johnson said it was great to see students taking responsibility and helping to guide others.

“We are already seeing a huge improvement in safety,” Mr Johnson said.

Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Manager, Paddy Blanchfield, said council was excited to be supporting children’s safety.

“We are looking at similar outcomes for other schools.”

Earlier this year, the exit from the nearby All Saints (formerly the Civic Centre) car park was altered — drivers now exit onto Tainui Street (State Highway 6). Signs and road markings were installed over the summer break.