A long-running battle to reduce the speed limit along a busy road outside a school has taken a “step in the right direction” as a formal consultation gets underway.

Parents, teachers and pupils at Danesfield School have been pleading with the county council for years to lower the “outrageous” speed limit on the A4155 Henley Road from 60mph to at least 40mph in a bid to prevent accidents.

Now, a consultation, funded through the South West Chilterns and Marlow Local Area Forum, is being undertaken, with residents asked to submit their views on lowering the limit to 40mph.

The consultation follows a petition to Bucks County Council in July 2015 that was signed by more than 1,500 people, which claimed that there had been at least one crash or near-miss every month.

Sean Collins, chair of governors at Danesfield School said many of the road users are not local and “unfamiliar” with the location of the school, warning that drivers have to go round a “blind corner” before reaching the site.  

A serious accident happened on the road just 18 months ago.

He said: “One of the driving forces behind our campaign is the response time from the emergency services when an accident happens.

“There was a crash outside the school a year and a half ago, it wasn’t fatal but an ambulance was needed. It took 43 minutes to arrive.

“The speed limit is just not safe. We have over 400 pupils and the speed limit is inappropriate for outside a school.

“Because of the location of the school, we don’t really have a walk to school option. We get a lot of cars coming in and out of the school with children in, as well as staff cars.

“They have to turn on or off a road where cars are travelling at high speeds.”

Last year, plans were put in place for flashing warning signs and enhanced white line markings on the road, but the funding could not be found to complete the work.

Despite feeling positive about the news of a formal consultation, Mr Collins says he is “slightly apprehensive” because one was held previously but the county council did not have the funds to lower the speed limit.

He said: “It is a step in the right direction but we have been through this before. The council could not find the funds so we have had a few false dawns. I'm a little bit apprehensive.”

Following the feedback from the consultation a decision will be made by the County Council cabinet.

Objections or support for the proposals can be sent in writing until February 12 by emailing peastham@buckscc.gov.uk or sending comments to Trish Eastham, Senior Legal Assistant, County Hall, Aylesbury, HP20 1UA.

An online feedback form can be filled in at www.buckscc.gov.uk/have-your-say.