A ZEBRA crossing removed from outside a secondary school is an “accident waiting to happen”, a parent has claimed.

Stephen Adamson escalated the matter with Essex Highways when he drove past St Mary’s School for Girls in Lexden Road, Colchester, to find no replacement crossing for the start of the new term.

Essex Highways is due to install a new signal controlled crossing on that stretch of road.

Dad-of-two Mr Adamson regularly drives along the road and said youngsters were “still treating the busy road like a zebra crossing”.

He criticised Essex Highways for not being fast enough to put temporary measures in place which he says is jeopardising pedestrian safety.

He said: “As a parent I can see there being an accident. It’s imminent.

“I drive up and down that road and kids are just stepping off the pavement to catch the buses on the opposite side.

“Motorists who are familiar with the road will stop just before and let people pass but it only takes a driver who is on that section of road for the first time for there to be a problem.

“A risk assessment must be in place for that crossing and I just can’t believe what has been allowed to happen.”

Further along Lexden Road Mr Adamson said there are temporary traffic lights in place because of similar road works.

A member of Essex Highways reportedly said the issue may not be solved until January 19.

Fireman Mr Adamson, whose 14-year-old daughter is student at St Mary’s School, said: “Who is responsible if a child is seriously hurt?

“There are no signs telling anyone about the changes when the kids have walked that crossing for years. I’ve sat in my car when it’s been bumper to bumper traffic and I cringe because I see near-misses all the time.”

A spokesman for St Mary’s School said the school is aware of the nearby crossing being out of action and said it has also been monitoring the situation.

She added: “We have highlighted the issue to our students and have advised them to take extra care when crossing Lexden Road.”

Essex Highways has apologised for the delay and promised a new puffin crossing would be installed soon.

He said: “The zebra crossing was removed as the road was resurfaced between November 27 and 30.

“It is due to be replaced with a puffin signal-controlled crossing.

“We are working as fast as possible to install this improved crossing at the site.”