A Sutton boy is recovering is hospital after becoming the latest traffic accident victim on a part of London Road labelled "a death trap" by one councillor.

The nine year old was taken to St Helier Hospital with head injuries after he was hit by a car just outside the BedZed estate on Sunday, May 18.

BedZed resident Terri Saccone brought the accident to the attention of councillors at the Carshalton and Clockhouse area committee last Wednesday when she spoke on behalf of more than 50 residents who are petitioning for safer road measures outside Culvers House School.

Ms Saccone said: "People are breaking the law and nobody is doing anything about it. This is a school zone and the island is not sufficient. I implore you not to perceive this only as a driver.

"I was nearly run over on the pavement the other day. When I ask others how they manage to cross, they say they run for their lives.

"We have got to make this safe because the problem will get worse as more families are moving into the area."

Councillor Paddy Kane reinforced her warning, adding: "It is a death trap down there."

The residents' plight was clearly well received by committee members as they vowed to not only carry out a detailed report on the issue but also to take the matter to the environment and leisure performance committee on June 3.

Ms Saccone's speech sparked discussions of a borough-wide investigation into road traffic accidents near schools.

After the meeting a council spokesman said: "There are talks about starting up a risk assessment group to look at traffic accidents around schools in the borough."

As the Guardian went to press the boy's condition was said to be stable.

May 30, 2003 10:00