Peterborough City Council is expected to meet to reconsider their original opposition. This move had rendered school crossing patrols, better known as lollipop men and lollipop women, obsolete. Today’s announcement marks a monumental shift after the public pushback occurred. Such a petition, recently signed by 553 valid signatories, was filed to protest the removal of critical safety improvements around four elementary schools in an increasingly dangerous patch of the city.
The council at first defended its vote as one of a number of “tough choices” that needed to be made in order to balance the budget. Fencing cuts at Old Fletton, Newark Hill & Werrington crossings Picture confirming crossing cuts and more in our speedy victory post. In a follow-up statement, the authority insisted that they hadn’t really cut patrols. They’ll make crossing the road safe as well as installing speed restrictions including 20mph limits around schools.
Werrington ward councillor John Fox, who signed the petition in support of it, said that child safety needs to be the top priority. He stated, “These patrols are not optional, they are essential. Crossing the road to school should not be a life or death decision.”
Angus Ellis, cabinet member for transport, argued that removing the patrols was a responsible decision. He didn’t say that they “did not take that decision lightly.” He continued to stress the difficulties the council will have in balancing its budget while meeting the demands of their community.
Local activist Kerri Deboo spoke for Ms. Ambarchian while presenting the petition at a recent Bozeman city council meeting. In addition to traffic enforcement, she raised more general concerns about child safety. Deboo remarked, “This is not just about traffic. This is not just about budgets. This is about the safety of our children and the message this council is sending to families across Peterborough.”
In response to the public’s concern for clarity regarding safety measures, Deboo noted, “We just still need a bit more clarity about the mitigating factors that are going to be put into place and the timeliness of that really.”
Labour councillor Katy Cole acknowledged the growing public alarm. She was forced to make a motion to table the decision until the next cabinet meeting. The council is scheduled to meet again on 23 September. Of course, petitioning isn’t their only activism. They’ll be working to TA to ensure everyone is safer crossing the street to school.
