Two mothers have launched a campaign for a safer crossing on a notorious road where their children were knocked down earlier this month.

Kerri Deakin and Charlotte Olde, both 14, were making their way home from the Hundred of Hoo school when they were hit by a Vauxhall Vectra.

The accident happened at the crossing on Four Elms Hill, Chattenden, at 4.45pm, on Friday, December 5.

Kerri suffered minor injuries and Charlotte was left in a critical condition. She was placed on a life-support machine and underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from her brain.

Charlotte is recovering at home and doctors say she is lucky to be alive.

Now the teenagers’ parents want the road to be made safer for children making their way to and from school.

Four Elms Hill is on the A228, where more than 30 people have died in road accidents over the past 24 years.

Kerri’s mother Sharon, 37, of Lodge Hill Lane, Chattenden, said: “There needs to be a safer way to cross the road. It’s not just children who are at risk, it’s the elderly and anyone else who uses it.

“It’s a busy road with a lot of traffic using it to reach the Isle of Grain. Something should have been done a long time ago.”

Charlotte’s mother Jackie, of Grayne Avenue, Grain, said: “Charlotte is coping well, she is a strong little thing. She is still suffering panic attacks and gets confused sometimes. It is going to be a slow recovery, but we are just thankful she is still with us.

“Someone else might not be as lucky, so something needs to be done about the road.

“All the children from Chattenden have to cross the road to get to school. The crossing is situated at the top of the hill, which seems like a ridiculous place to have it.”

The mothers have begun a petition for more safety measures on the road and have already collected more than 300 signatures.

Sharon added: “We need as much support as we can to stop anyone else getting hurt or killed on this road.”

If you want to show your support, email Sharon at fourelmshill@aol.co.uk

Petitions can be signed at village shops in Grain and at Crescent Stores, Main Road, Hoo.