Spondon head teacher's worst fears realised after accident takes place outside his school

A DERBY head teacher says the need for tighter traffic restrictions outside his school has been underlined by a crash involving three cars.

One woman was taken to hospital following the accident outside Asterdale Primary School, in Spondon, just as children were arriving for lessons.

But it is still unlikely any new road safety measures will be introduced immediately by the city council.

Parking by parents and heavy traffic from the A52 on to Borrowash Road have been a major concern for head Cliff Perry for several years.

He said: "I have been warning the authorities this would happen.

"Fortunately, it is not as serious as it could have been and for that I am thankful.

"But children could so easily have been seriously injured or worse.

"Traffic-calming measures such as signs, concrete bollards shaped like children at the side of the road and road humps have been suggested but nothing has happened so far."

Two members of teaching staff witnessed the accident and rushed to help.

It happened as children were getting out of two stationary cars.

Mr Perry added: "One of my teachers was due to go on a school trip but I have had to replace her because she is shocked.

"We need to make drivers more aware the school is here and introduce measures to slow traffic down.

"This road is use as a rat run by speeding cars and large lorries between the A52 and Nottingham Road.

"Something must be done before it is too late."

Witnesses said a car heading towards the A52 collided with the stationary cars.

Parent Angie Pointon, whose son, Blaise, attends the school, has been campaigning for improved road safety for several years too.

She said: "It's the thing we have always dreaded the most happening.

"My understanding was that money was to be made available to carry out some of the safety measures but nothing seems to have happened.

"Parents at the school need to realise the problems they are causing when they park outside of the school.

"But equally we need to slow traffic down in this area somehow."

Councillor Lucy Care, city cabinet member for children and young people, confirmed Asterdale Primary was among a group of schools due to have its road problems looked at this year.

She said: "Our staff looked into the situation last year and made recommendations such as moving the yellow zig-zag lines further down the road and installing a drop-kerb.

"But the suggestions need to be approved by the school and council before work could go ahead, which hopefully would be by the end of 2009.

"This is the first injury accident on that stretch of road for three years but it doesn't mean we should take the situation lightly."

A Derbyshire police spokesman confirmed the accident had taken place and the force was investigating.