CHILDREN and parents at an Oxford school are calling for new speed restrictions to protect the hundreds of pupils who cycle to lessons each day.

More than half of The Cherwell School’s 1,800 pupils make their daily journey to the school by bike – one of the highest percentages in the country.

Parents want 20mph speed restrictions put in place outside the school gates to keep their children safe. But despite hundreds of families signing a petition for a 20mph zone, Oxfordshire County Council has so far refused.

And last week the council said it would not even list the suggestion for future consideration.

Parents had even been prepared to settle for an advisory limit, during school time only, but that plea has also fallen on deaf ears.

Concerned parents say traffic on Marston Ferry Road is travelling too fast and the situation is compounded by several busy entrances, including the Oxford Harlequins Rugby Club and Ferry Sports Centre, that cross a dedicated cycle track.

Mum Marion Couldrey, from Headington, has two children who cycle to the school and is a member of the school’s travel action group.

She said reducing the speed limit would make cycling to the school much safer.

“It is the only secondary school in Oxford that is 30mph outside, but that’s coming off a 40mph stretch so cars are travelling at 30mph if you are lucky,” she said.

“There was a serious accident here two years ago involving a cyclist and several non-serious accidents.

“I have witnessed at least two near misses.”

Acting headteacher Paul Jones said a 20mph limit would increase safety and send a message to drivers about the importance of driving safely close to a school site.

He added: “The safety of students is extremely important to us.”

County and city councillor Jean Fooks backed the calls for a reduced speed limit but said: “The county won’t even put it on a list for consideration.”

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Owen Morton added: “The council receives many requests each year to introduce new speed limits and other safety measures across the county, but has only a limited budget for such measures.

“The national financial situation also means we can expect increasing pressure on this funding in the coming months and years.

“All highway authorities must use strict criteria including accident history to identify where there is the very greatest need for road safety measures.

“Our records for the last five years show only one reported slight injury accident on Marston Ferry Road in the immediate vicinity of the school.”