A PETITION calling for improved safety measures around a Hampstead Garden Suburb school has been presented to Barnet Council.

More than 150 people have put their name to a campaign calling for better signs and road markings outside Brookland infant and junior school, in Hill Top.

Residents are worried a serious accident could happen along the road because of the large number of cars and pupils there at certain times of the day.

Brian Ingram, of Brooklands Rise, started the petition and believes council bosses should take more notice of safety concerns in the area.

He said: “People on the street are affected seven days a week.

“It is a large concern for everybody. There are always near misses with people coming down this road. There no signs for drivers saying the cars are coming out of the school's driveway and all of a sudden they are pulling out in front of the traffic.

“I stand there with neighbours and we just flinch at how close the cars and pedestrians sometimes get. Only the fact there hasn't been a fatal accident is what is leading the council to be apathetic.”

A statement from the council said parents were consulted at the end of 2008 to address concerns, and safety measures were brought in, including a pedestrian crossing, dropped kerbs and waiting restrictions to encourage pupils to walk to school.

Signage was also reviewed around the Brookland Infant and Junior Schools in the summer and an additional school warning sign was placed on Brookland Hill.

The statement added: “The zig zag signs have been reviewed and found to be in compliance.

“As with all schools the submission of annual travel plans gives parents and teaching staff the opportunity to identify travel issues and request engineering measures.

“We will continue to look at any other areas of concern raised by parents or residents and address these where necessary and appropriate funding is available.”