Parents and staff at two Radlett schools are urging the council to reduce the speed limit of a main road to help prevent accidents.

Hertsmere Jewish Primary School (HJPS) and Radlett Preparatory School are both situated just off Watling Street, and the junction to both has been deemed a "nightmare" by parents.

Watling Street has a 50mph speed limit and there is no road signs or markings to indicate the schools are next to each other, which many of the parents say is partly the issue and why there have been a number of collisions.

During the rush hour there are cars queuing to drive in and out of each of the school entrances.

A parent of a pupil at HJPS said: "The road narrows slightly due to an island in the middle and this can reduce visibility for drivers turning on to Watling Street. It becomes particularly dangerous when you have cars driving at 50mph and people pulling out."

Another parent, Sharon Landsmann, said she was involved in a accident at the junction with HJPS two weeks ago. She said she was waiting to turn right on to Watling Street, when another car pulled out, and an oncoming collided with that car before going into her.

Ms Landsmann added: "Many parents don't feel confident any more to turn right towards Radlett because of the speed of oncoming cars.

"There are no road markings and no road signs to warn drivers travelling at speeds of 50mph that there are schools situated off Watling Street which is unacceptable. There are children about during this time and I have never come across speed limits of 50mph outside one single school because it would be deemed to be very dangerous."

Principle of Radlett Preparatory School, Gary White, said: "I think the traffic outside the schools is very fast, which can be dangerous. I am really pleased they have started taking some action and are reducing the speed limit about 100 metres from the school. It would be nice if this is extended to around the schools."

Headteacher of HJPS, Steven Isaacs, and Chair of Govenors Dr Daniel Summerfields said in a joint statement: "We have raised the issue of road safety with Hertfordshire County Council on several occasions and will continue to address the need for the council to prioritise improvements at the relevant junction as a matter of urgency."

Terry Douris, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: "The safety of road users and pedestrians is of paramount importance to Hertfordshire County Council. We are concerned when any collisions occur and appreciate the efforts residents are making to try to reduce the chance of other accidents occurring.

"However, the county council has limited funds for safety work and priority is given to work which has the greatest potential to reduce the number and severity of collisions occurring. Watling Street has not been identified for work, but we continue to monitor the situation.

"In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with the schools to encourage and promote safe and sustainable journeys to and from school."