Right stuff needed for road patrol

Road patrollers are seen outside schools with their lollipop signs every weekday before and after school, but there's more to this important job than meets the eye.

Senior constable Jolanda Roe took a group of Silverdale Normal School Year 5 students through road patrol training last week. The training is comprehensive and not every child who goes through the training ends up a road patroller.

"It takes a special child to take on this duty," said Jolanda.

"They are out there in all weather. They have to be at school half an hour early and they have to stay 20-25 minutes after school. They have to be punctual, reliable and responsible. It's a great service they do for our community."

Road-patroller-in-training Akiva McBirney-Griffin said he understood the job requires plenty of focus. "You can't muck around."

Jolanda said while drivers didn't have to stop at a pedestrian crossing when it was patrolled, it was appreciated if they could stop at the crossing - if they can do so safely - if they see children waiting to cross.

Road patrollers are rewarded at the end of each year with a fun outing to Waterworld.