THE headteacher of a village school near Bromyard fears "there will be a tragedy" outside his school gates unless a speed limit is cut.

Motorists can currently drive past Brockhampton Primary School at 60mph despite pupils having to cross the route to meet their parents at home time or reach the school's playing field.

While no collisions have taken place involving motorists and pupils, shorter daylight hours have added to accident concerns along the unlit road with calls now being made to cut the speed limit to 20mph.

"Eventually there will be a tragedy," said the school's headteacher, Matthew Land.

"The road is not designed for cars travelling up to 60mph."

The school is one of the most remote in the county and has 142 pupils on its books.

As well as cars, campaigners say the route is also a rat run for vans and trucks.

One man says Herefordshire Council should update its policy and join numerous other councils, such as Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and Flintshire, which has a blanket 20mph limit outside all its schools during peak times.

"A 60mph speed limit outside the school is ludicrous," said Ben Hiley, whose grandchildren attend the school.

"A child in contact with any vehicle travelling at that speed stands no chance of survival.

"One of the biggest risks is that the school playing field is on the other side of the road.

"It's a hell of a responsibility to place on school teachers who have enough responsibility to deal with as it is.

"Something has to be done; children are just too valuable."

Mr Hiley says at least 70 cars will park on land both opposite and next to the school to drop off and pick up pupils. Three buses are also used to transport youngsters.

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson confirmed it has received a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) request asking for a 40 mph limit in the general area and 20mph near the school.

"The TRO ranking list is due to be considered by Balfour Beatty Living Places this month, along with around 100 other requests to be ranked," said the spokesperson.

The statement added the school was on the council's Safer Routes to School list in 2012/13, with flashing lights installed in March 2013 and speed surveys done in September 2012.