Road safety improvements are being made to streets around Croydon schools following the end of the school crossing patrol service.
The non-statutory school crossing patrol service finished at the last six schools to have the service at the end of the summer school term in July.
Like many councils, Croydon began phasing out its school crossing patrol service following a decision in 2022 to end it.
Ahead of the school crossing patrol service ending, the Council commissioned an independent traffic management company to complete road safety assessments for the six remaining schools to identify any recommendations to improve road safety in the areas.
Out of the six audits, three had recommendations for improvements to be made which the Council is now pursuing ahead of the new school year starting in September.
Changes include trimming back trees for better visibility of a crossing sign near Cypress Primary School in South Norwood, and extending the zig-zag markings outside Monks Orchard Primary School in Shirley to provide more warning of people crossing to drivers.
For Ark Oval Primary Academy in central Croydon, the assessment recommended an education piece within the school for parents, carers and children to use the existing zebra crossings in the area.
“The decision to close the last six school crossing patrols was first agreed as part of the 2022/23 budget. It was the subject of further discussions at Scrutiny and Overview Committee in December 2022, where no alternatives were put forward, before being finalised by Full Council in March 2023.
“Very few London Boroughs now operate this non-statutory service, particularly with the implementation of Healthy School Streets, which have improved road safety.
“Road safety remains a priority for me and for the Council. We will continue to provide safety advice and education to schools as well as involving them in initiatives such as Junior Roadwatch and Healthy School Streets.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
