Eleven school crossing patrol sites - including one in Alton - have been withdrawn across Hampshire, saving the county council around £66,000 a year, newly released figures show.

Information released under a Freedom of Information request shows Hampshire County Council has reviewed 30 school crossing patrol (SCP) sites since a cabinet decision in October 2024 relating to 156 approved locations.

Of the sites reviewed so far, 11 patrols have been withdrawn, 18 remain in operation and one is still under review.

The council said each withdrawn patrol saves around £6,000 a year, generating annual savings of about £66,000 across the 11 sites.

The FOI response states the figures were gathered through the day-to-day operation of the school crossing patrol service rather than through a specific review of all 156 sites.

According to the authority, crossing patrol sites are reassessed when an officer leaves their post rather than being automatically replaced.

If a location no longer meets national criteria, recruitment does not proceed and the patrol can be removed.

A Hampshire County Council spokesperson said there was “no planned systematic review” of all crossing patrol sites, with assessments taking place only when posts become vacant.

The sites withdrawn from the scheme are:

  • Nursery Road in Alton
  • Velmead Road in Hart
  • Park Prewett Road and Woolton Hill in Basingstoke
  • Tichborne Way/Gorselands Way in Gosport
  • Allington Lane in Fair Oak
  • Kings Copse Avenue in Hedge End
  • St Albans Road/Littlegreen Avenue and Mill Road in Havant
  • Hunts Pond Road/Longacres in Park Gate

West End & Horton Heath county councillor Steve Broomfield said he had been consulted about the removal of the patrol on Kings Copse Avenue and understood the decision was linked to both the age of pupils using the crossing and ongoing recruitment difficulties.

He said: “My understanding is that the crossing is used pretty well exclusively by older children moving between Bishopstoke, predominantly the Fruit Farm estate, and Wyvern, and my understanding is that secondary schools are not considered a priority for crossing patrols.

“I also understand that recruitment of new patrol people is extremely difficult. It’s not a popular job.

“Additionally, I believe a controlled crossing is anticipated as part of the One Horton Heath off-site traffic plan.

“So while I regret the loss of the patrol, I do understand why and, given the issues with recruiting crossing patrol people, I suspect there was no option.

“I can also say that I’ve not been contacted by parents about it.”

Bridgemary county councillor Paul Jacobs was contacted for comment.

A further site at Minley Road/St Johns Road in Rushmoor remains under review, with a puffin crossing due to be installed.

The FOI response states that 144 of the 156 locations covered by the October 2024 cabinet decision will continue to have a school crossing patrol.