Parents from two primary schools are campaigning for a pedestrian or puffin crossing in Station Road, Aylesford.

They say they and their children take their lives in their hands when they cross the road, which has only one traffic island.

And the danger has thwarted attempts to launch a walk-to-school initiative in the area, under the walking bus scheme.

The affected schools are St Peter’s Primary and Aylesford Primary.

Simon Temple, head teacher at St Peter’s, said: “We’ve been trying to set up a walking bus for the last three years.

“None of our parents is prepared to let their children cross with anyone other than themselves because it’s so dangerous.”

Aylesford Primary does have three walking buses from other parts of the village but is unable to have one serving the railway station because of the same problem.

Parents have signed a 200-strong petition which they will present to Kent County Council.

Jane Waring, Aylesford School’s family liaison officer, said plans to put a pedestrian island near the station would not help.

She said: “You can have up to 12 children with two adults on a walking bus and you cannot cross them all safely if they have to wait in the middle of the road.”

PC Matt Roddick, Aylesford’s community officer, who carried out a speed check, said: “When we stopped offending drivers many of them said they didn’t realise it was a 30mph limit. There’s an absence of signs.”

The campaign is backed by Tonbridge and Malling borough councillors and Aylesford ward members David Smith (Con) and John Balcombe (Con).

Cllr Balcombe said: “We are concerned there will be a fatality before it is made a priority."

County council spokesman Phil Scrivener said: “Kent Highways is installing a pedestrian island outside the station this financial year and we have bid to implement a crossing near Hall Road next year."