Concerned parents are calling for a pelican crossing to be installed on a road where a three-year-old boy was involved in a road accident.

A group of mothers, whose children go to Whybridge School in Blacksmiths Lane, Rainham have launched a petition calling for better safety measures on nearby Rainham Road.

Shelley Hobbs said: “We believe that a pelican crossing is the only thing that will ensure our children’s safety on the road because then the drivers are forced to stop.”

Last week, the Recorder reported that three-year-old Jared Stoddart was left with two broken legs and a fractured shoulder after he was involved in an accident with a lorry and a car.

Jared had just been picked up from Little Rascals Pre-school in Ford Lane and was dragged under the car near the zebra crossing.

The parents’ campaign is being supported by Cllr Denis Breading (Lab, South Hornchurch) and Rainham and Dagenham MP Jon Cruddas.

Mr Cruddas said: “This is a hugely concerning issue and one that needs to be dealt with imminently before any more local residents, either pedestrians or drivers get hurt.

“I will continue to do all I can to make sure that the site is made safe no matter the cost as I think that children’s safety should be paramount in instances such as this.”

Cllr Barry Tebbutt, cabinet member for Streetcare said: “We are very sorry to hear about this accident and understand that it’s being investigated by the police.

“Although we’ve had no previous reports about this crossing presenting any safety risks, we will see if any additional changes can be made.”