Safer School Crossing with PencilFlex Bollards

Improving Zebra Crossing Visibility Outside Seaton House School with PencilFlex Bollards

Keeping children safe on the journey to and from school is a priority for every local authority. In Sutton, South London, a recent installation outside Seaton House School demonstrates how small but well-considered infrastructure changes can make a big difference.

Working with the London Borough of Sutton and their term contractor FM Conway, a new zebra crossing on South Banstead Road has been enhanced with TMP’s PencilFlex Bollards alongside Evo-S solar powered illuminated bollards.

The result is a crossing that is highly visible, easy to navigate and clearly signals to drivers that they are entering a school environment where extra care is needed.

A simple idea that makes a difference

The zebra crossing sits directly outside the entrance to Seaton House School and is heavily used by children and families during school hours. While the crossing already benefits from Belisha beacons and clear road markings, Sutton Council wanted to further emphasise the presence of the school and improve visual awareness for approaching drivers.

Six PencilFlex Bollards were installed around the crossing approaches, creating a clear and distinctive gateway effect that highlights the location of the crossing and reinforces the need for reduced speeds.

Installed alongside the Evo-S solar powered illuminated bollards on the refuge island, the scheme combines passive safety features with clear visual guidance for both drivers and pedestrians.

Fast and straightforward installation

The installation was carried out by FM Conway, who are already familiar with TMP products through previous active travel and cycle infrastructure schemes across London.

The PencilFlex Bollards were installed using a simple drilled fixing method. A 16 mm hole is drilled into the surface, epoxy resin is applied and the bollard is secured in place using a hex bolt fixing.

This straightforward approach allows for a quick and efficient installation with minimal disruption on site.

Feedback from the contractor has been extremely positive, with the installation described as simple and efficient to complete.

Designed for urban environments

The PencilFlex Bollard is designed to provide clear visual guidance while remaining forgiving in the event of vehicle impact.

Manufactured from a flexible rebound material, the bollard is able to deflect when struck and return to its original position. This helps reduce damage to both vehicles and street furniture while maintaining visibility for the next road user.

Key benefits of the PencilFlex Bollard include:

• High visibility design to highlight crossings, cycle routes and pedestrian areas
• Reboundable flexible construction that returns to position after impact
• Lightweight and durable for long-term urban use
• Quick and straightforward installation
• Available in multiple colours with reflective bands for improved night-time visibility

At the Sutton installation, both yellow and red PencilFlex Bollards were used, each featuring a reflective band at the top to maximise visibility in low light conditions.

Supporting safer routes near schools

Projects like this play an important role in improving safety around schools and encouraging more walking and cycling for everyday journeys.

By clearly marking crossing points and increasing driver awareness, flexible bollards can help create safer environments for children travelling to school.

Combined with solar powered illuminated bollards such as the Evo-S, these schemes provide a highly visible and energy-efficient solution that works day and night without requiring mains power.

A positive response

The completed crossing on South Banstead Road has been very well received, with both the contractor and local authority pleased with the finished result.

As a highly visible feature outside the school entrance, the installation helps reinforce the presence of the crossing and improves awareness for drivers approaching the area.

With active travel and school safety continuing to be key priorities for many councils, schemes like this demonstrate how practical, well-designed street furniture can make a meaningful contribution to safer streets.