Petition over plans to axe school crossing patrols
Hampshire County Council needs to save £80m
Last updated 7th Jul 2021
A petition has been launched against proposals which could see an end to school crossing patrols in Hampshire.
The suggestion is among cost-cutting proposals that could be put in place by Hampshire County Council in a bid to save £80m by 2024.
The authority currently funds 177 school crossing patrols in Hampshire at a cost of £1.1m.
A public consultation has been launched and will run until July 18.
New Forest Lib Dem councillor Mark Clark, said: "This is absolutely outrageous.
"School patrols save lives. In dark and murky weather, children crossing busy roads need all the protection they can get.
"Removing all these patrols will increase the chances of accidents or worse.
"As we come out of the pandemic roads are bound to become busier.
"We are all meant to be thinking of a greener approach and yet ensuring children’s safety will just mean more parents resort to using their car to get their youngsters to school safely."
A Hampshire County Council spokesperson said: "It is important to note that no decisions have yet been made regarding the options outlined in the county council’s 'balancing the budget' consultation, and on which we are currently inviting residents’ feedback.
"These are examples of a number of options which could be considered for the county council to balance its budget. "