A council in South London has reaffirmed its commitment to safety even as it prepares to eliminate its last remaining lollipop school crossing patrols by the year’s end.

The decision by Croydon Council, impacting six schools throughout the borough, has drawn criticism from a local councillor who labeled it “penny-pinching.”

This information, disclosed through a Freedom of Information request by InsideCroydon, indicates that the crossing services, which assist during school drop-off and pick-up times, will be discontinued by the end of the year.

Since road crossing safety is classified as a non-statutory service, the council is not legally required to maintain it. A spokesperson emphasized that risk assessments had been conducted, underscoring that “road safety remains a priority.”

The six schools impacted by this decision are:

Liberal Democrat councillor Claire Bonham reported receiving concerns from worried parents in her Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood ward. She commented, “They are understandably worried about the implications this will have on their children’s safety.

“Lollipop men and women are cherished members of the community, ensuring kids are safe and providing a comforting presence for families as they head to school.”

Bonham expressed that the cuts feel “like penny-pinching” and has reached out to the council’s Conservative mayor, Jason Perry, to convey her opposition to these reductions in services.

Labour councillor Rowenna Davis, representing the Waddon ward, also voiced her disapproval of the budgetary measure.

Over the past ten years, Croydon’s school road safety patrols have been significantly diminished. In 2011, there were 22 such patrols, but a previous Conservative-led council halved that number.

The recent decision was made following a service review conducted in 2022 and discussed in committee in December of that year, with the plan approved in the budget set for October 2024.

Additionally, the affected schools were informed in March of this year.

A Croydon Council representative stated, “Most patrols were phased out several years ago, and risk assessments for the six remaining locations have been completed, with one site now designated for a permanent crossing, and three situated on Healthy School Streets.”

The council assured that its road safety officer would continue collaborating with schools on various other initiatives.