The debate about pedestrian safety in Village Way, Beckenham, has reignited after a video emerged showing schoolgirls dangerously trying to cross the road.

The video shows the children waiting for a safe moment to dash across to the other side.

Screams are audible as three girls make a run for it once a bus goes by, leaving the others waiting for their opportunity to risk crossing the busy road.

This comes after thousands of people have already signed a petition for a pedestrian crossing to be installed.

The petition was started by Bromley Liberal Democrats in November after safety concerns from parents and children at Harris Academy Beckenham.

A motorcyclist died after a crash with a car on the road in November.

Adam Bambrough, who launched the petition, told News Shopper: "The video has shown how pressing an issue it is.

"Our petition has got over 900 more signatures in 24 hours. There is now a strong sense that something needs to be done.

"Before Christmas the council said they were reassessing the safety of Village Way. That is a u-turn in itself after firstly saying it was as safe as any other road in Bromley.

"They were put under pressure from us and parents. They have now came back and said they don't believe there should be a pedestrian crossing because they fear drivers would ignore it during the day despite it being used at peak times.

"They should look at a pedestrian crossing, reducing the speed to 20 miles per hour or at least a lollipop lady."

Mr Bambrough added the road was "frightening" and he is surprised more accidents have not happened there.

He believes Bromley Council needs to be proactive instead of waiting for tragedies to inspire change.

"Their only assessment should be a human one. Is this road to dangerous to cross? Yes it is.

"So many parents ask their children to text them when they get to school to see if they got there safely," he added.

Cllr Peter Dean, chairman of Bromley's development control committee, told News Shopper in November it would be "reassessing road safety on Village Way".

Bromley Council has been contacted for an updated comment.