Parents of two Brighton primary schools are calling for a new crossing patrol at a busy junction where families are currently having to dodge queuing traffic.
There hasn’t been a lollipop lady or man to help children across Millers Road into Highcroft Villas on their way to Stanford Junior and Infant Schools since last Christmas.
The issue has been raised by father Tim Hodges, who is also standing for the Conservatives in Withdean in next year’s council elections. His colleague, Withdean ward councillor Nick Taylor, is also intending to bring the issue before the next full council meeting on 18 October.
He said the crossing was the most mentioned concern when out canvassing in recent weeks.
He said: “Parents think it’s dangerous as vehicles pay no attention to the school crossing signs with no visible patrol person there.
“Also many drivers are more focused on positioning themselves to push in the queue of traffic that builds at Highcroft Villas than being alert to school children and carers.
“With a visible lollipop person the traffic will be calmed and this will allow a safe crossing for all who use the junction in the morning and evening rush hour.
“Withdean Conservatives found this to be the number one issue for residents in the area when they canvassed opinion regarding local services.”
A council spokeswoman said: “There is a national issue with the recruitment of school crossing patrol officers due to the nature of the role and the unsociable hours.
“Brighton and Hove City Council is committed to recruiting school crossing patrol officers and often appeal to schools and local residents to support the recruitment process.
“Unfortunately the site at Millers Road has been vacant since December 2017 but we continue to try and recruit an officer for this position in addition to looking at alternative solutions and possible pedestrian refuges to assist pedestrians with crossing.”
