A HAILSHAM parent has launched a community campaign for improved road safety after two primary school children were injured in a traffic collision while walking home from school.
The Year 5 pupils were struck by a car while crossing Amberstone Road (A271) at the dropped kerb between the Linnet Lane and Trefoil Road entrances, a route regularly used by children travelling to and from a nearby primary school.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and both children were taken by blue-light ambulance to hospital for urgent treatment, with one transported to Hastings Hospital and the other to Brighton.
While both youngsters are now said to be recovering, the incident left them badly hurt, with one child suffering a broken arm.
The parent of one of the children, Toki Snook, is now urging authorities to review safety measures along the stretch of road, warning that the location is used daily by children from the Linnet Lane estate who must cross Amberstone Road to reach school.
Despite the regular footfall of pupils, there is currently no formal crossing, such as a zebra or pelican crossing, at the location.
Toki said: “No parent should have to receive the call that their child has been hit by a car on their walk home from school.”
Residents say concerns about the safety of the crossing point have previously been raised with the council, but claim no action has yet been taken, according to the parent.
They fear that without changes, another serious accident could occur.
Toki added: “We are asking for the council to urgently review this section of Amberstone Road and install a zebra or pelican crossing, or other appropriate traffic calming measures to make the area safer for the many children who cross here every day.”
A community petition has now been launched calling for immediate action to improve road safety in the area.
An East Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “We have not yet received details of this incident from Sussex Police, so are unable to comment further at this time, but wish the children involved a speedy recovery. We note that a community petition has been launched and will always consider petitions when they are submitted to the county council.”
Residents wishing to support the campaign can sign the petition online: https://c.org/BjHWH2MXsZ
