Four times a day, Jean-Charles watches over the entrances and exits of the students to the school. He is one of the nineteen “dads and moms traffic” of the city. It is 11:15 am on Wednesday, March 8th. Jean-Charles is at his post, in front of the school, rue du 1er-Régiment-d’Artillerie. Equipped with its “Stop Cole” sign, it sports a large reflective vest with the words “school safety” that allows it to be automatically identified by drivers.
Jean-Charles is one of the nineteen moms and dads traffic employed by the city of Bourges. They are officially called contract security agents. For Jean-Charles, this is the school, around the pedestrian crossing. “You have to be polite, courteous, and very attentive, “he says. In addition, ensure that no one enters the school.” Previously, this traffic dad had worked as a supervising animator in recreation centers. “I accepted the job because I live twenty minutes walk,” he says. It is a pleasure to come and it gives me a little walk, four times a day. ”
Four times a day, in fact, the traffic dad must appear in front of the school: 8:30, 11:30, 13:30, and 15:45. That is two hours of daily work, except Wednesday (one hour) since students do not have classes in the afternoon. “I always arrive half an hour before with wearing the reflective clothing. To have the time to inform the municipal police if necessary. Jean-Charles is well aware that his job is part-time. Thus, during the summer holidays, he must find another activity.
At 11:25 am, on Wednesday, most parents have already arrived to pick up their children. At 11:30, the bell rang. Seconds later, students leave school. Jean-Charles is ready to do the traffic. “Come on, boy, see you tomorrow! Good appetite, “he says to the schoolboy he crosses. “ I call them my grandchildren,” he laughs. I see them coming to primary school. They come to say hello. We are part of a family. ”
However, getting children through is not the only task. He pays particular attention to the parking of cars. “People have to drop off their children, but do not park, so it does not interfere with traffic,” he says. In addition, he looks at the entrances and exits of the school buses that take the children to the canteen. “You have to look everywhere at all times,” he says. The danger is permanent; you have to be on your guard.” However, these disadvantages are out of proportion to the good return of the students: “They feel reassured to see someone who makes them go through,” he notes.
“You have to be polite, courteous, and very attentive”
At 11:45, the work of our dad traffic with in safety vest is over. However, he has other activities. He is indeed a host in a local radio and a leader in a rugby club: “I am the official cameraman of the team,” he says. In addition, the next day, at 8:30, he will be back at his post. “It’s a nice job,” he says.