CONCERNS have been raised for the safety of pupils, parents and staff after a parent was hit by a lorry outside a school.

A parent was hit by a lorry outside Tiptree Heath Primary School at the start of October.

Witham MP Dame Priti Patel visited the school after the incident and said she has witnessed a number of issues first-hand.

During her visit she saw speeding drivers, drivers ignoring the school crossing patrol officer and vehicles driving on the edge of the narrow pathway as children were walking past. 

Gazette: Visit: Priti Patel with representatives from Tiptree Heath PrimaryVisit: Priti Patel with representatives from Tiptree Heath Primary (Image: Dame Priti Patel)

Essex Highways allocated £5,000 for safety measures following a previous incident in June 2021 where a child was hit by a car, but no measures have yet been taken.

Plans have been drawn up by the council and work to implement a safety railing outside the school is in motion. 

The MP has written to Essex County Council calling on them to conduct an urgent review of this issue and the potential for further road safety measures to be implemented around the school.

She said: “I am very concerned by the current lack of road safety measures around the school, and have urgently raised this with Essex County Council to relay my concerns.

“In light of this most recent incident, as well the one in June 2021, I am urging them to review the road safety measures around the school and to deliver the funding that was previously allocated.”

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “Following an incident at Tiptree Heath Primary School, the Colchester Local Highway Panel (LHP) opted to have a railing installed to increase the safety of the area.

“Plans have been drawn up and there will be liaison with the school to arrange installation.”