HUNDREDS of drivers are continuing to ignore speed limit signs as they approach a busy school crossing, despite attempts to slow them down, a survey has shown.

Residents who use Avenue Road pelican crossing in Cockenzie called for action in January after a childminder revealed how she and four young children in her charge were almost struck by a van which went through red lights at the crossing.

Laura Bishop was so shocked by the incident that she launched a campaign for the crossing to be improved – and she was quickly supported by other families.

There were calls for a 30mph sign to be moved to the start of the speed-restricted zone, school crossing signs which were faded and facing the wrong way to be replaced and 20mph flashing signs to be in place during school times.

But the group said a recent survey of traffic flow on the street revealed people were ignoring it.

The survey revealed that on one week day 513 vehicles used the road between 8am and 10am, with only 101 travelling at under 30mph.

And it revealed that of those breaking the speed limit, most – 190 – were travelling at between 36 and 40mph, with 75 vehicles clocked at over 40mph.

At peak time in the afternoon, more than two-thirds of vehicles using the road were again clocked driving above the speed limit.

Following its initial meeting with the group, East Lothian Council has installed a new school children warning sign; moved the 30mph sign as requested; installed a socket to allow the placement of a speed reactive sign to the south of the pelican crossing near the Chimney development access road, with plans to move the existing speed reactive sign at Edinburgh Road to this location; and adjusted the signal timings at the crossing to maximise the pedestrian phases – the council says that the green man time is now 30 per cent longer than it was originally to offer as much time as possible for pedestrians to cross.