PARENTS concerned about road safety around a Leigh school are being encouraged to sign a petition supporting a new pedestrian crossing for pupils.

Organised by mum-of-two Audrey Eley, 43, the petition is calling for Southend Council to look into installing a crossing for pupils at West Leigh Junior and Infant schools, in Ronald Hill Grove.

The issue has become so high profile in the area a public meeting is to be held tomorrow night.

Congestion around the school has been causing concern, as drivers – some of them parents dropping their children off at the school – navigate the narrow residential street during the morning rush hour.

Mrs Eley, of Marine Avenue, said: “The junction of Marine Avenue and Ronald Hill Grove is a real hazard for pedestrians, as there are always cars pulling up along the double yellow lines, on both sides of the road, without any regard for the children and parents trying to cross the road.

“Often drivers will nip in at the last minute if they spot a space, and not notice someone is about to step into the road to cross.”

Although the school is in a 20 mile per hour speed limit zone, which is surrounded by double yellow lines and zig-zag markings, Mrs Eley feels these measures do not go far enough to deter some drivers, and fears a serious accident.

She also said other parents had shared details of their experiences, including one pedestrian mum who had an argument with a driver who had nearly knocked her down while reverse parking.

She added: “This incident pretty much sums it up, as certain drivers believe the rules of the road don’t apply to them, that they have the right to stop just outside the school gates and do as they please.”

Mrs Eley said the school and council have both acknowledged there is very little that can be done to stop drivers temporarily stopping on the yellow lines and zig-zags to drop off their own children.

She said: “What is needed is a dedicated crossing at this danger spot, some traffic calming measures to deter drivers and ideally also a lollipop person.”

Cheryl Woolf, headteacher at the school, said: “Anything that will improve the safety of children coming to school will be a good thing.”

The petition so far has 80 signatures and is being supported by Southend councillor John Lamb, who is a governor at the school.

The public meeting to discuss the situation is being held at the school tomorrow, at 7.30pm.