Croydon Council road safety improvements around schools

In Croydon, the last six patrols ended in July as part of a phased approach that began in 2022.

The decision to stop the non-statutory service was first agreed as part of Croydon Council’s 2022/23 budget and finalised in March 2023.

Jason Perry, executive mayor of Croydon, said: “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.”

Ahead of the closures, the council commissioned an independent traffic management company to carry out safety audits at the affected schools.

Three of the six schools received recommendations for on-site improvements.

At Cypress Primary School in South Norwood, trees will be trimmed to improve visibility of a crossing sign.

Monks Orchard Primary School in Shirley will see extended zig-zag markings to alert drivers about pedestrians.

For Ark Oval Primary Academy in central Croydon, the focus will be on educating families about using the existing zebra crossings.

Mr Perry said: “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.”

Croydon Council says the changes reflect a wider shift across London, where most boroughs have already ended similar crossing patrol services.