Paula Leyland (left) walks with her friend Litsa Hartley and Litsa's son Jamie near the spot in Highbury Avenue, Salisbury, where she was struck by a passing car. DA4371P2A MOTHER who was injured in a hit-and-run incident as she walked her children to school is warning that the chaos near Salisbury's school gates will end in tragedy unless parents who drive take more care.

Paula Leyland suffered a badly bruised arm, nerve damage and shock when a car swerved towards the pavement and smashed into her as she dropped her youngsters off at Fisherton Manor Middle and Highbury First schools.

The mother-of-three was walking along Highbury Avenue with a friend and her two-year-old child, whom the fast-moving vehicle missed by inches.

"It was horrific," said Mrs Leyland (40). "There are always cars all over the place - the whole road gets blocked, so there was no room for this car to get through and it came up on the kerb and hit me. They didn't stop and I was so shocked that I didn't know what to do.

"My friend's son was walking between us and I dread to think what would have happened if he had been on the end - the car would have crashed right into him."

Mrs Leyland said the mayhem caused by the school run was getting worse, and she is calling for action before lives are lost.

"I appreciate that lots of parents have to drive because they need to get to work and they are in a hurry," she said.

"But some of them don't even bother to park properly - they just stop in the middle of the road and wait.

"No one can see round the cars to cross and there are always vehicles on the path, which means people with buggies can't get through.

"Highbury Avenue is busy with other traffic, too, and it needs to be looked at before there is another accident or someone is killed."

Mrs Leyland was treated at Salisbury District Hospital, where doctors were amazed to discover her arm had not been broken in the collision.

"It's been very painful but I know I was lucky," she said.

The incident has left Mrs Leyland, who lives in Nursery Road, fearful for her children's safety.

"There are a few of us on this road with children at the schools, so we take it in turns to walk them up," she said.

"Now we feel happier if we all go, so there are more adults to look after them.

"I'd feel very reluctant to let them walk on their own - it's just not safe."

Highbury First School headteacher Anne Munns said she was aware of the problem.

"We are working to remind parents that there are better ways to travel.

"Many pupils do walk in and children who cycle can leave their bikes here. But parking is getting to be more and more of an issue.

"We send letters out reminding parents to park responsibly and the situation improves for a while. We do have a crossing lady further up the road and we have also on occasion asked the police to come and monitor the situation.

"There is no easy answer.

"We are looking at walk-to-school schemes - but the most important thing is that parents who drive be more careful and considerate."

School parking permit row update: Page 5