TWO accidents involving young children in Bere Alston have prompted an appeal for motorists in the area to reduce their speed and drive more carefully.

The call has come from community constable, PC Ian Pirie who said the driving standards in the peninsula had deteriorated and the manner of driving of some road users had become 'a matter for concern'.

'At a local residents' meeting concern was expressed that general vehicle speed in the narrow streets of Bere Alston was excessive, which caused danger to other road users, pedestrians and, in particular, children,' he said.

Matters were compounded by the limited visibility caused by the road layout and parked vehicles.

The first accident happened several weeks ago in Bedford Street when a young child was in collision with a car.

The second accident, involving a young child, occurred outside the school.

PC Pirie said it was fortunate the motorist concerned was driving sensibly within the speed limit so injuries were limited to 'bumps and bruises'.

'Police advice is to approach built-up areas with particular caution and reduce speed. Also, when parking vehicles please use the car parks when possible and consider the effect parking may have on ease of access for local residents,' he said.

Line markings outside the school have recently been extended to improve the clear view area. PC Pirie asked parents to respect these and consider whether they really needed to use a car to take their child to school.

'If there is another method, use it to reduce congestion and avoid the risk of further accidents.'

He said he was also getting 'complaint after complaint' over the speed of cars at the edge of the village.

One local group had suggested a one-way system through the village, but PC Pirie said that he believed this would make things worse.

PC Pirie said the matter had been referred to the area police safety officer 'for research and tasking to the appropriate police departments for enforcement'.

Headteacher of Bere Alston Primary School, Kim Wild, said they were reliant on parents abiding by the law. 'A lot drive to school and drop off their children on the yellow lines, which obstructs the view and increases the risk of accidents,' she said.

The school and community constable had been liaising with Devon County Council road safety officer and there were 'a lot of things in the pipeline'.

The suggestion of a 'virtual' school bus had been made by various people in order to reduce the amount of traffic and this was also being investigated.