RESIDENTS say a road bend close to where a 12-year-old boy was hit by a van yesterday is dangerous due to a lack of warning signs and traffic calming measures.

The collision which took place in Larkshall Road in Highams Park, near the junction with Coolgardie Avenue, left the boy with head and leg injuries.

He was airlifted to hospital and is now recovering from his injuries, which are not life threatening.

Police have made no arrests.

Witnesses said the boy got off a bus just after a bend in the road and as he crossed in front of it, he was hit by the van.

Residents near the bend say, despite a 20mph maximum speed sign, there has always been a problem with cars speeding on the road.

Carmel King, 63, who lives close to the scene of the accident, said: "This road is a nightmare.

"Years ago there was a petition to get a crossing put in but it was put in further up the road.

"The speed that drivers come round at that corner makes the road very dangerous and they may not get to stop in time if something is blocking the road.

"When I get of the bus sometimes I have to stand on the side of the road for about ten minutes before crossing.

"They should have cameras here and signs because it might make people slow down."

Wayne Halfhide, another Larkshall Road resident, said the bus stop is too close to the corner.

The 40-year-old added: "If people are not familiar with the road it can be a bit dangerous.

"Even if people are not driving that fast, when they come round the corner, they will find themselves by the bus stop before they know it.

"I definitely think the bus stop should be moved so it is not on the bend."

An off duty police officer, who wanted to remain anonymous, said a speed camera and warnings signs to alert drivers of the bend might make motorists drive more carefully.

He added: "But people should also be better educated on the best places to cross the road, especially one as dangerous as this."

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