Questions to the Mayor of London – answered at on 10 April 2019.
A recent BBC news report (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46514670) showed the decline of crossing patrols funded by councils and gave the example of the London borough of Hounslow which went from employing 22 wardens to just two. Given your plans to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s transport network, what will you do to reduce road danger for children travelling to school?
I am committed to eliminating all deaths and serious injuries from London’s roads as part of my Vision Zero approach, but reducing the danger posed to children travelling to school is of particular importance. It is for this reason that my Vision Zero action plan contains ambitious proposals across the Safe System framework to reduce the danger posed to the most vulnerable road users.
Over the next five years, Transport for London (TfL) will be reducing speed limits on almost 150km of its road network and will be encouraging London boroughs to do the same, at locations of highest risk. Our investment in safer streets for children includes my Liveable Neighbourhoods programme, the Safer Junctions programme and other junction safety improvements, more zebra and signalised crossings as well as Local Implementation Plan funding for boroughs. TfL and the Metropolitan Police Service’s Junior Community Roadwatch programme also engages children in helping raise motorists’ awareness of the dangers of speeding near schools.
School children themselves also have a role to play through demonstrating safe behaviours on their journey to school. The Children’s Traffic Club London, Junior and Youth Travel Ambassadors, and STARS and Safety and Citizenship programmes all help in achieving this aim.
I will continue to urge the London boroughs to commit to Vision Zero and ensure that they prioritise the safety of children travelling to school.