CONCERNED parents are urging motorists to slow down and be more vigilant on the roads.

The start of the summer is often a time when car owners speed up and throw caution to the wind, according to Leigh parent, Andrew Booth.

He claims this time of year is the 'silly season' of driving, and children's lives are being put at risk by irresponsible motorists.

Mr Booth, of Gorse Walk, Leigh, has three young children attending Leigh St Peter's Primary and Our Lady of the Rosary RC Primary, and is worried that road markings and speed restrictions are not being observed.

"I've noticed that many drivers completely ignore the school crossing signs, and some even drive straight past the lollipop lady," he said.

The speed limit in built-up areas is 30mph, but as Mr Booth points out, a child has only a 50/50 chance of survival if hit by a vehicle travelling at this speed. He is calling for speed limits of 20mph to be enforced near schools.

Councillor Brian Thomas, for Leigh Central ward, said every effort to ensure safety around schools had been taken by the council, and the proposal to reduce the speed limit may be reviewed in the future.