As a parent of children attending Orchard Way Primary School, on Orchard Way, off of Orchard Avenue in Shirley, Croydon, I am deeply concerned about their safety while crossing this busy road. There is currently no pedestrian crossing on Orchard Avenue which poses a significant risk to all pedestrians but particularly to our young ones who travel to and from school every day.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) reports that in 2019 there were 25,975 accidents involving pedestrians across the UK. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of pedestrian crossings in ensuring public safety.

Orchard Avenue is an essential route for many parents and children going to and from Orchard Park High School and Orchard Way Primary School.  Many of the older children who walk home alone, also use the footpath (643) on Woodland Way leading to Firsby Avenue as a shortcut through to Wickham Road transport services. The lack of a proper pedestrian crossing not only endangers lives but also discourages walking as a healthy mode of transport due to safety concerns. Together with less encouragement of independance for older children to walk alone to due the danagers of crossing this road.

We urge the local council in Croydon to prioritise public safety by installing a pedestrian crossing on Orchard Avenue at the junction of Woodland Way. Let's protect our children and promote safer streets for everyone in our community. Please sign this petition if you believe that every child deserves safe passage to their education.