A HAMPSHIRE mum has launched a campaign to keep children safe on their way to school.

Now Maria Hutchinson’s 600-signature petition has prompted council transport bosses to review the road she was concerned about.

The mother-of-two wants a pelican crossing on a busy road in Netley Abbey and hopes that her petition will force Hampshire County Council to reconsider installing the safety measure.

Her campaign was prompted after Maria’s daughter’s 12-year-old friend was hit by a car on the road last month – but escaped with cuts and bruises.

Now she wants to see lights to stop the traffic and provide a safe crossing point.

The 46-year-old, of Abbeyfields Close, Netley Abbey, so far has 630 signatures on her petition, which she will hand to the council on November 27.

About 300 children must use Hound Way, which becomes Hound Road, to get to Hamble Community Sports College from the Netley Abbey and Butlocks Heath areas. It is also used by people walking to the relocated doctor’s surgery in Satchell Lane.

She said that there have been numerous accidents and near-misses on the road over the years, including her children, and for the first two years she drove her son to school.

Although there is a courtesy crossing with a dropped kerb and bollards, Maria – whose children Emma, 11, and James, 14, attend Hamble Community Sports College – said that this is ineffective as some students still try to cross the road elsewhere.

The crossing also presents a nightmare for drivers, she said, as children chance their luck at different points on the road.

“It’s sheer madness,” she said.

Eastleigh MP Mike Thornton called for urgent action on the road and has written to the county council.

Sean Woodward, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet member for transport, said that he would order a new survey on the road to assess the number of vehicles and pedestrians, to see if it passed the levels needed for a crossing.

If it did, he said that a crossing would be installed and it was not a matter of funding.

He said that accident statistics would not necessarily prompt a crossing but might influence borderline cases.

You can sign the petition at the Hound Parish Council office or online by clicking here