ANGRY parents are demanding a new crossing be installed outside a primary school amid increasing reports of near-misses and pedestrians jumping out the way of speeding vehicles.

The fears over people’s safety near Ashingdon Primary Academy, in Ashingdon, has even led to an increase in parents driving their children to school, it is claimed.

Some worried mums have told the Echo they have had to take evasive action when crossing the road, to avoid being struck by cars.

Careesa Pope, 36, said: “Not having a crossing or patrol person is a really big problem. I’m just praying that someone helps us with it soon as I do love to walk and think it’s great for the kids and the area.

“I have noticed more and more people are driving now because of the bad situation and I feel it’s a great shame it’s coming to that.

“There have been a couple of times where cars have sped around while we are crossing.

“It has made my stomach go but fortunately, we’ve have been OK.

“But I do feel if nothing changes, it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hit.”

Another mum with children at the school said she has narrowly escaped being hit while on the school the run on two different occasions.

The parent, who asked to be anonymous, said: “Cars come zooming around that corner, definitely exceeding the speed limit and do not see us until last minute.

“I’ve personally almost been knocked over twice.

“One time I got the buggy to the middle of the road before someone came speeding around the corner.

“I started to back up but she went on the other side of the road to avoid us - luckily no one was coming the other way at the time.”

They added: “Last week someone had clearly run a red light at some roadworks and came round very quickly, narrowly missing my daughter and I.”

Ashingdon Primary Academy declined to comment.

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “In the coming weeks, surveys will be conducted to monitor traffic and pedestrian usage within the vicinity of Ashingdon Primary.

“The results will determine whether a crossing in the area will be considered in the future.”