FAMILIES have warned Redbridge Council they will have blood on their hands' if a dangerous traffic blackspot is not made safe.

The junction between Ashbourne Avenue and Colvin Gardens in South Woodford is devoid of road markings and people living nearby are certain lives will soon be lost as serious crashes are a regular occurrence.

The latest incident happened shortly before 8am last Thursday morning when a white van collided with a small blue car which was written off by the impact.

A spokeswoman for London Ambulance service confirmed that the car's 20-year-old driver was taken to Whipps Cross University Hospital to be treated for eye injuries.

Teacher Eileen Flinter, who lives in Ashbourne Avenue, said: "The junction is not properly marked and there have been at least three serious crashes in the last few months.

"Nightingale School has one small sign hidden by trees most of the year. We have all told the council but they do absolutely nothing. Soon there will be deaths and the council will be learning lessons'.

"We need clear markings, a stop sign, a speed bump and a school slow sign. It's getting much worse as it's a rat run for people from Hermon Hill."

Liz Barrett, headteacher of neighbouring Nightingale Primary School, said the dangerous state of the road was something which came up regularly at parents' meetings.

She said: "I think a 20mph speed limit would certainly help, and maybe more signage to warn drivers that there is a school there. Thankfully none of our children have been hurt so far."

A spokeswoman for Redbridge Council said that while there were concerns about the area it was not a current priority as these roads are only rated the 50th worst in the borough for serious accidents.

She added:"Whilst we appreciate the residents concern over safety, there are other roads across the borough that require more urgent attention and there is only so much we can do with the funds made available by the council.

"However, each year Transport for London allocate grants under its Safer Route to Schools initiative and Nightingale School is currently on the reserve list for the 2008/09 programme."