Each local authority can arrange with An Garda Sióchána for school traffic wardens to patrol places where schoolchildren cross public roads. The school traffic warden’s role is to ensure that primary-school children cross public roads safely on their way to and from school. The Gardaí and school traffic wardens are the only officials in Ireland who have the authority to stop other vehicles on public roads.

The law governing the appointment of school traffic wardens is the Road Traffic Act, 1961 (Section 96). School traffic wardens usually work in the mornings, at lunchtime and in the evenings, when children are most likely to cross the road to go to or from school.
School traffic wardens wear a distinctive uniform (a high-visibility coat and hat). They must also carry a distinctive sign (a white disc with a red border and the word ‘Stop’ in the centre). By displaying this sign, the school traffic warden has the power to stop the traffic to enable schoolchildren to cross the road in safety. Traffic must remain stopped as long as the warden displays the sign.
 

The duties shall be such as may be assigned to the officer from time to time by the local authority. These duties may include:-
 

1. Reporting for duty promptly at the specified times and locations assigned, under the direction of the Supervisor.

2. The Warden must operate strictly in accordance with the instructions for School Wardens (as per Garda/Cork County Council training) at all times.

3. The person employed will be required to perform assigned duties exercising a duty of care, in the interest of safety of oneself, fellow employees and the general public, at all times in compliance with Cork County Council’s Health and Safety Management System. Working in a safe manner, in full compliance with the relevant safety legislation and construction regulations, will be the primary responsibility of all School Wardens.

4. The school warden will use the statutory uniform and equipment provided for the safety of yourself, children and all other members of the public, especially when stopping traffic on the public roadway. This requires carrying of the official Stop sign at all times and to ensure that the uniform is kept in a clean neat condition.

5. Maintain control over children who are awaiting your instructions to cross.

6. If the Warden has any trouble in controlling, or encounter disobedience by the children, they should inform the Principal of the school concerned. Any disobedience by traffic in general should be reported forthwith to the Gardai. 

7. The Warden should never break up organised convoys, wedding, funerals, parades, or hold up fire appliances or ambulances for the purpose of allowing children to cross but wait for suitable opportunities when they have passed.

8. Report any problems or difficulties to the Local Municipal District Roads & Engineering Offices.

9.  All accidents at the crossing point involving the Warden in the operation of his/her duties must be reported immediately after the duty period by telephone, to the Local Municipal District Roads & Engineering Offices.  All relevant details must be recorded including car make/model, registration number, name of drivers/pedestrians involved, time and date of accident.  The names/addresses of any witnesses must be recorded also and a written report is to be submitted to the Local Municipal District Roads & Engineering Offices within the following 3 days.
10. The Warden must not attempt to apportion blame to any person nor admit liability on his/her (or the Council’s) own part.

11. In connection with the hours of duty any changes made by the school to their class times, which affect your duty periods, must be notified to the Local Municipal District Roads & Engineering Offices.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Further information is available in the Candidate Information Booklet available on our website