Everybody including councils, police officers and schools are responsible for the safety and welfare of school children at crossings. For us, it's important the right equipment is installed and that our children and youth are safely getting to and from school. This article outlines the types of crossings there are in New Zealand, what the differences are and what signs, poles and hardware should be used at each. 

There are two Types of a School Patrols used around primary schools, intermediate and high schools in New Zealand. The standard School Crossing / Zebra Crossing which has the painted lines like a standard pedestrian crossing and Kea Crossings / School Crossing Point. Each type of crossing has a specific setup and differing requirements for road signs, school patrol arms (lollipop signs) the steel poles that they go on.

It's confusing:
There is alot of information available, but it's important to note, the only difference between the kea and pedestrian system is the colour of the poles and support post they are installed on and the school patrol arm, it's the same system functionality wise. Our team supply the full range that you see at both types of crossings. This includes the regulatory signs including speed signs, kura signs etc, the school patrol arms, and all the poles, sockets and brackets. If you would like to know more and the differences, please get in touch. We are here to help.

Patrol Arms that stay put at the Crossing?
Yes, it's a reality. We launched the innovative Stayput School Patrol System in 2019? This device ‘stays put’ – at the crossing. It can be supplied to suit both types of crossings . The big benefit, is that it it eliminates carrying out the patrol arms daily, as the system stores the arm at the crossing and get's unlocked during crossing times. It can also be customised with the school’s graphics and safety mantra. In the images below, we have used the Stayput as an example for both types of crossings. We also supply the standard single arms.

Check out the STAYPUT Video      View a Principal Testimony      Download STAYPUT Brochure

Zebra Crossings / Pedestrian Crossings: Remember Black and White Signs and Poles to mimic the painted road surface

If it’s a Pedestrian Crossing / Zebra Crossing, then the school patrol arm and the steel pole should also be black and white to mimic the paint markings on the road. The small orange belisha discs are only used at Zebra Crossings. In the above photo, you will see the school patrol arm on the lollipop sign and the pedestrian pole are alternating black and white. This is correct for this type of crossing.

It's also important the orange belisha discs are only used at Pedestrian Crossing / Pedestrian Crossings.

Kea Crossings: Remember Kea Flags, Plain White School Patrol Arms and Steel Poles

Kea Crossings are not a pedestrian crossing and it's really important that the signs and poles are all plain white. Why? It's because, outside of the crossing times, (i.e. morning and afternoon), the road reverts back to a normal roadway and not a full time pedestrian crossing. So, as a rule of thumb – If it’s a Kea Crossing Set up – the school patrol arm and the white support post or pole should all be plain white.

Also unique to Kea Crossings is the Kea Crossing Flags which are only put out during crossing times. At RTL, we supply these in convenient bags, braces and brackets.

Summary:
We supply School Traffic Safety Teams and Road Patrollers, NZ Transport Agency approved, school signs including school patrol crossing systems, Stay-put school patrol, single arm school patrol arms, fluorescent stop signs, kea crossing kits and belisha discs. Our signs and products increase visibility, and most importantly, keep students and faculty safe. Signs and Compliance are our game, so get in touch for a chat.

Give us a call on 0800 785 744 or email sales@rtl.co.nz or marketing@rtl.co.nz for clarification or more information. Our Team are here to help.