PARENTS and governors are campaigning for a 20mph speed limit outside the gates of their school – before a child gets killed.
Campaigners also want a footpath built near Chipping Ongar Primary School to stop children having to walk out into busy Greensted Road.
The pavement on the school's side ends at Jewson, forcing youngsters to cross over several times or brave traffic and walk on the road.
Governor Professor Keith Snow has been trying to get a path built at the site but to no avail. The 69-year-old, of Coopers Mews, said: "I have been trying for almost a year but everyone I speak to just seems to pass the buck.
"The lack of a path is a danger to the children and a danger to parents who walk them into school because the traffic doesn't go slowly.
"The children, and their younger siblings who are walking in with their parents, are forced to walk in the road or cross the road over and over again.
"The council said they can't do anything as it's not their land and Jewson don't seem to want to do anything so I don't know whose problem it is.
"People's safety is at risk, there have already been a few near-misses on the road so hopefully something will be done before anything happens."
Many have also complained about the speed at which cars travel down the road and past the school.
Prof Snow said: "The speed limit is 30mph but drivers seem to go a bit faster than that. It would be safer if it was a 20 as it goes right past the school.
"The road is a 60mph limit until just before the school, meaning people don't always slow down in time."
The Gazette's Safety at Schools campaign has long backed parents' concerns about speeding drivers.
Prof Snow added: "It's great news that the Gazette is getting involved. Safety at Schools will bring much needed attention to the problem."
Claire Bodiam, 40, of Ongar, a member of pressure group Ongar Mums, said: "The Ongar Mums would like to see the pavement outside Jewson improved. Greensted Road is busy and having to cross it twice makes it even more dangerous.
"Many of our children are affected on a daily basis just walking there."
Epping Forest District Councillor Paul Keska said: "We are aware that there is a problem with speeding along the road, this has already been raised at a Highways Panel meeting.
"We are looking at putting flashing 30mph signs onto the road and would definitely support any speed restriction, as any speed limit near schools is a good thing.
"We can't do anything without Essex County Council but we have raised concerns."
"In regards to the path, we have been told that there isn't enough room for a modern pavement at Jewson. We have looked into having the building removed, as I believe it is empty, but we have been told that it may be listed but I can't see how that is the case."
When drivers reduce speed to 20mph, the likelihood of a hit pedestrian dying decreases dramatically.
Essex County Council, which is responsible for the road, said that there have been no reported near-misses.
A spokesman said: "20mph zones may be considered on non-county routes in areas where a high volume of non-motorised road users may be expected, such as in a residential area, near a school, near a local shopping area, or in special environments where the character of the carriageway and use of the area demands a reduction in speed.
"Any proposal from the community should be raised through their local Highway Panel. These panels are responsible for making recommendations and setting priorities for Highways schemes in the local areas."
On the issue of extending the 30mph zone further away from the school gates, the authority added: "This could be considered if it meets Essex County Council policy."
Jewson could not be reached for comment as the Gazette went to press.
