Pupils and teachers are campaigning for a zebra crossing and a 20mph zone outside their school in Hitchin because "speeding traffic" at drop-off and pick-up is creating "a serious risk" to safety.

An online petition has been started by Daniela Damico, a governor at Our Lady Catholic Primary School in Old Hale Way.

Headteacher Sarah Snowball said: "The speeding traffic outside of our school presents a serious risk. It’s only a matter of time until someone is hurt by speeding traffic."

The petition to Hertfordshire County Council is open until April 8 and has so far been signed by more than 260 people.

Ms Damico said: "There is currently no safe crossing outside of Our Lady's school,  as there is currently no crossing guard or safe way to cross the road."

This is because, she says, parked vehicles on both sides of the road during the beginning and end of school "force pedestrians to step out in the middle of the road and compete with speeding traffic, at times, and large volumes of traffic that use this road".

She continued: "There have been several near misses, where collisions have been narrowly avoided."

Ms Damico pointed out that pupils from The Priory School, and families heading towards Strathmore Infant and Nursery School, could also benefit from a zebra crossing outside Our Lady Catholic Primary School.

Our Lady's has teamed up with three North Herts councillors - Ian Albert, Val Bryant and Dave Winstanley - to campaign for the increased road safety measures.

Ms Snowball said:  "We’re pleased to have the support of councillors to drive forward safety on the doorstep of our community school.

"It has been fantastic to see support from people living in the area.

"It has been wonderful to see our young people getting involved in campaigning and learning about how to make a positive change for their area."