A pedestrian crossing could be installed outside a Hendon primary school that sits on a “dangerously busy” road.

Highways officers were last night instructed to look into the feasibility of a crossing in Park Road, outside Parkfield Primary School.

But members of the Hendon Area Environment Sub-Committee were told that cost could be a factor standing in the way of the proposed safety measures.

West Hendon Councillor Julie Johnson tabled the request because of long-standing calls from parents following the removal of a lollipop lady at the school two years ago.

Cllr Johnson said: “I’m pleased they are looking into it but the problem is financial. Some schools can contribute to these sorts of things but we’re not in a position to do that.

“The fact remains, they have to look at it - it is a very dangerous road. The parents support it and they shouldn’t have to gather a petition to get this done.

“The issue has been raised at the council before but because of the lollipop lady it was dismissed. Now they have to look at it again.”

A pelican crossing would cost the council between £50,000 and £60,000, while zebra crossings are far cheaper at closer to £10,000.

Highways manager Neil Richardson told the commitee that cost was the only thing preventing the crossing being installed.

Headteacher Alison Holding, who joined the school in September, said she was well aware of the issue and welcomed the assessment by highways officers.

The school is in the process of developing its own travel plan and Mrs Holding said she was expecting the road to be raised as a safety issue.

She said: “It is a very busy road and it is a concern for a lot of parents - the traffic does come down it quite quickly.

“We’d obviously welcome a crossing and, provided the research was done to ensure it is put in an appropriate place, it would be a very good thing.”