A campaign has been launched by concerned parents and residents calling for urgent safety measures at a primary school in Edgbaston, Birmingham. A petition, which had already garnered 175 signatures, is demanding the installation of traffic lights outside City Road Primary School.
‘A Significant Threat to Our Young Ones’
The petition highlights the specific dangers posed by the school's location on Cavendish Road, a street described as a notorious 'rat-run' for drivers. Organisers argue that the current situation forces every child attending the school to navigate a hazardous road without the protection of proper traffic signals.
"The rush of traffic during peak hours on Cavendish Road poses a significant threat to the safety of our young ones," the petition states. It emphasises that pupils should be free to focus on their education, not their personal safety while entering and leaving the premises.
Preventing a ‘Preventable Tragedy’
Citing national traffic safety statistics, the petition warns that areas lacking proper pedestrian crossings or signals see markedly higher accident rates involving school-age children. This, campaigners say, is a stark daily reality for the school community.
"It is only a matter of time before it leads to a preventable tragedy," the document asserts. The proposed solution is clear: the installation of pedestrian-controlled traffic lights directly at the school entrance on Cavendish Road.
Call for Council Action
The petition argues that traffic lights would not only provide a safe crossing point but would also encourage more responsible driving behaviour in the zone, compelling motorists to slow down and stay alert.
A direct appeal is made to Birmingham City Council to take immediate action by approving the installation. "It's a necessary step to ensure the safety of hundreds of students and provide peace of mind to parents," the petition reads. "Let's not wait for an accident to occur before we take action."
The petition, which was launched in early January 2026, is set to be formally presented to the council for consideration at a future date. Supporters can currently add their names to the appeal online.
