UK Pupils Call for SUV Charges, School Road Safety Amid Child Risk

Across the UK, children and MPs are calling for urgent measures to improve road safety around schools, highlighting the risks posed by large vehicles and unsafe pedestrian crossings. In London, primary school children urged Lambeth Council to introduce higher parking charges on supersized SUVs, which research shows are three times more likely to kill children under 10 due to their height and weight; the council is considering a study to address this issue. Meanwhile, Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, MP for Suffolk Coastal, launched a petition demanding tailored road safety plans for schools, including 20mph speed limits and better crossings, citing children's anxiety over dangerous conditions and the lack of safety barriers near busy roads. Similarly, pupils from Bradford Girls' Grammar School petitioned for a new pedestrian crossing after the removal of their lollipop person led to increased near misses and safety concerns on their route to school. These campaigns emphasize the need for structural changes to protect vulnerable children from traffic dangers, reflecting a broader call for tighter regulations and community safety initiatives around schools nationwide.