A super-head is urging Havering Council to take urgent traffic calming action outside his school “before the next accident becomes a fatality” following a collision between a car and pupil.

Romford Recorder: There has been increased traffic and pedestrians in Dagnam Park Drive since the opening of the new myplace youth centreThere has been increased traffic and pedestrians in Dagnam Park Drive since the opening of the new myplace youth centre (Image: Archant)

A Brookside Junior School Year 5 student suffered head injuries and a broken arm after being struck in Dagnam Park Drive, Harold Hill, after school last week.

Now consultant headteacher Adrian McNeillis has joined forces with parents to petition the council to introduce a lollipop person to a nearby zebra crossing and reduce the speed limit outside the school from 30mph to 20mph.

Adrian, who had flagged up the traffic issues on his appointment in January, said: “[The] accident was something waiting to happen. The risk will increase as we approach summer and pupils cross the road to the park and its play equipment and skatepark.

“There are currently no warning signs on display either side of the school. The road is a busy bus route and an increased number of people cross the road daily since the opening of myplace youth club.

“This is the only section of Dagnam Park Drive not regulated by speed bumps.”

He added: “It’s ironic: about a quarter of a mile up the road there are signs warning drivers of deer - but not children.”

Pupils have been designing road safety leaflets to share with parents and carers.

A statement released on behalf of the school’s parent forum said: “Traffic flow needs to be regulated in a more effective way on this part of Dagnam Park Drive to avoid further accidents in the future.”

The local safer neighbourhood policing team has increased the number of patrols during the morning and afternoon rush hours.

The injured pupil was released from hospital on Monday and is recuperating at home.

Adrian, a primaries troubleshooter, was drafted in to improve the school’s inadequate Ofsted rating and facilitate its transfer to academy status in conjunction with Drapers’ Academy some time this year.

The council has been approached for comment.