A parent is campaigning for a pelican crossing outside her son’s school after he was almost knocked down outside the gates.

Natalie Newnham has set up a petition calling for the safety measure on Magpie Hall Road outside All Saints C of E Primary School in Chatham.

The mum-of-two’s son attends the school and she was spurred into action after witnessing the nine-year-old boy almost get run down as she watched from across the street.

“I stand one side and see him across,” she told Kent Online. “A car stopped for him, but then a taxi overtook the car and nearly hit him.”

“That road is just crazy at school times. It’s got worse over the years.

“Cars speed up that road. They park on the double yellow lines.”

She added: “They used to have a lollipop lady but she was risking it standing in the road. They advertised the role but haven’t been able to fill it for ages.”

Natalie’s petition is backed by the school and has already collected more than 130 signaturesa at the time of writing. Click here to view the petition.

Headteacher Jo Strachan said: “We think it’s an excellent idea. It is such a busy road and there are always near misses there.

“It would make it so much safer for our children and parents.”

Strategic lead for front line services at Medway Council, Alex Constantinides said: “We are currently looking into a range of initiatives as part of our plan for safer, healthier streets, for residents including introducing School Streets outside a number of primary schools across Medway.

“We look into, and respond, to all petitions we receive, which may include looking into the matter further, considering the petition at a council meeting or holding a public meeting or consultation.”

The council also confirmed the position for a replacement lollipop lady at the school has also been filled after being vacant for one year.

Mr Constantinides added: “We have recently recruited a new school crossing patrol officer for All Saints Primary School who will help children and their families get to and from school safely.”