Parents and pupils from an Ipswich primary school are demanding a new 20mph limit on some of the town’s busiest roads after a series of recent near misses.

They have gathered signatures calling for lower speed limits around St Helen’s Primary School – the main concern is Woodbridge Road, but there are also worries about Palmerston Road and St Helen’s Street.

The petition was organised by Emma Driver who has three children who walk to the school from their Bramley Hill home every day. Her 11-year-old daughter Jasmine presented a petition to local Labour councillor John Cook.

Mrs Driver said: “I have lost count of the number of near misses I have seen on the road here, some of the cars come far too fast for it to be safe.

“We have to have a 20mph speed limit on the road here – otherwise it’s only a matter of time before there is a serious accident.”

She was particularly concerned about the pelican crossing on the road: “Cars sometimes come so fast and then jump the lights as they are changing colour. It is very dangerous.”

The petition was presented to Mr Cook, who is a borough councillor – and was passed on to his county council colleague Mandy Gaylard because Suffolk is responsible for roads.

Mr Cook said: “This is an issue that has been a concern for some time – there are more than 1,000 signatures on the petition.

“It is something the county council is aware of, but it is absolutely vital that they take some action, especially on Woodbridge Road.

“Traffic tends to go quite fast there because it is on a hill and we need to get something done to prevent an accident in the future.”

The county council is looking at traffic. James Finch, cabinet member for transport said: “Safety outside schools is extremely important to the council and we recognise the concerns at this location.

“I will review the options for improving safety outside this school and give them careful consideration.”