The safety of children crossing Heol Uchaf on their way to and from Heol Llanishen Fach Primary School is at serious risk under Cardiff Council’s current plans.

As a parent of three young children, I am deeply concerned about the safety of the road outside Heol Llanishen Fach Primary School. The existing lollipop man has been a lifesaver for my family, on several occasions preventing one of my children from running into oncoming traffic. His vigilant presence ensures that all children can cross Heol Uchaf safely — a heavily trafficked road.

Cardiff Council plans to replace the current patrolled crossing with an unpatrolled crossing. The Council intends to wait until the current lollipop man leaves and the new crossing is installed before conducting an assessment to determine whether a patrolled crossing is required. This process will take time, during which we will be without a lollipop man on an already dangerous road. If the assessment concludes that no patrol is needed, our children will be placed at unnecessary risk.

Heol Uchaf is not just any road; it is extremely busy, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. Vehicles frequently line the street, obstructing visibility and creating dangerous blind spots. In addition, the proposed crossing will be positioned near a hill, where cars often speed downhill, making it difficult for drivers to stop in time for crossing children.

Statistics show that patrolled crossings are significantly safer for children. A 2018 report by the UK Department for Transport found that patrolled crossings reduce child pedestrian casualties by 37%. Removing the patrol on this particularly hazardous stretch of road compromises the safety and wellbeing of every child attending the school.

Beyond the statistics, a decision to remove the patrol lacks compassion and foresight. The strength of our community lies in the care we show for one another, and protecting our youngest members should be a top priority. Losing our lollipop man feels like losing a trusted member of our community — someone who keeps our children safe every single school day.

We urge Cardiff Council to reconsider this decision and retain a patrolled crossing, without the need for a post-removal assessment. A simple decision to keep the lollipop man in place could prevent a tragedy and provide peace of mind to countless parents and guardians.

Please sign and support our call to action to ensure a safer environment for our children and to preserve a community that values safety over convenience.

Please note: This petition was started by a parent and is not associated with the school or its staff.