A father who warned a school crossing was dangerous was proved right when his son was hit on the way home.

Robert Parrish has been calling for improvements at Pattens Lane, Rochester, for several years and demanding something be done about parents who ignore parking restrictions before a child got hurt.

His fears became reality when his son Cameron was hit by a cyclist who failed to stop at the crossing – despite a lollipop lady being in the middle of the road.

Cameron, seven, was knocked to the ground, suffered cuts and grazes and was badly shaken.

Cameron’s mum, Suzanne, who was with him at the time, said: “All the other traffic had stopped and the cyclist slammed into him. I had hold of Cameron’s hand and the cyclist hit him so hard he was knocked out of my hand and across the pavement.”

The cyclist briefly stopped to shout at Mrs Parrish and her son, hurling foul language and abuse at them, and then rode away.

Police cannot take the matter further because Cameron was not hit by a motorised vehicle.

Mr Parrish, of Wallace Road, Rochester, said he has been calling on Medway Council to do something about the crossings for many years. It is used by children from both Balfour Infants School in Pattens Lane and nearby Balfour Junior School in Balfour Road.

He said: “It has been an issue since both my children were at the infants school. Parents ignore the parking restrictions and the lollipop lady has to step out between the cars.”

Mrs Parrish, 37, said: “I know it happens at every school but when you have been warning about the dangers and then it happens to your child it is very upsetting.

“Cameron is now nervous of crossing the road and so am I to be honest. You should feel safe when with a lollipop lady.”

Mr Parrish said: “I suggested a camera car be present at school leaving time. The council did send a camera car to the site last year at around 4pm but the school closes at 3.15pm.

“They will not take the concerns seriously unless there is a fatality. I don’t believe a child should have to die before they do something.”

A Medway Council spokesman said: “Medway Council takes school safety very seriously and we work closely with the school to introduce initiatives to help reduce congestion and improve parking.

“We will continue to work with the school to address the issue and to support the school crossing patrol staff.”

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