A New Cross father-of-two is leading a campaign to increase safety on a treacherous stretch of road used by children on their way to school.

Cold Blow Lane tunnel in New Cross is used by children travelling to three schools in the area.

Residents have complained that the narrow path, dangerous crossing point, darkness and aggressive driving is a disaster waiting to happen.

Adrian Robson, 44 who lives in Sterling Gardens, said: “We started last year because my daughter and some of her friends were starting school, which meant they were going to go through the tunnel.

“There is a very narrow pavement, and the road narrows down to a single lane of traffic and here is where people get brushed by wing mirrors of the vans.

“There is a long route round which really is a much longer way round, it is the only option for getting to school.

“What we are really worried about is something will happen, that a child they will lose their footing and fall over in the way of a van. That is the only thing that could make Lewisham council do something.”

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The tunnel is a route for pupils and parents of Hatcham Temple Grove Primary School, Childeric Primary School and Deptford Green School.

An online petition has attracted almost 150 signatures within a week.

The petition states: “The pavement is very narrow and people are forced to walk in single file, which is especially unsafe for young children.

“In two sections of the tunnel the pavement narrows down to just a kerb, but there is no safe place to cross the road at these places.”

The road is a 20mph zone, however the petition claims that often people do not stick to the speed restrictions.

The petition goes on to say that in the narrowest part of the tunnel the footpath is less than a metre wide.

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 Photo: Improve cold blow lane tunnel Facebook page

It states: “At this point vehicles and pedestrians are just inches apart.

“This is without doubt the most dangerous part of the tunnel.”

News Shopper have contacted Lewisham council for comment.