To hear that the rate of road accidents near our schools is one of the worst in the country is worrying.

According to a survey by insurance company Axa and the Road Safety Analysis organisation Brighton and Hove ranked third in a table of research into accidents within 500 metres of schools in cities between 2011 and 2013.

It also said the rate of cyclists involved in these accidents was high.

Given the diligent introduction of 20mph limits and a drive to build as many cycle paths as possible, we need to look at why the city is still ranking high in these figures? The figures are above those collected in places such as Southampton, Blackpool, Nottingham, Reading and Bristol.

But thankfully it does not figure at all in the top ten for cities with the highest rates of crashes involving children in these areas.

Are high rates down to motorists flouting speeding rules or driving dangerously? Or is it simply the sad fact of having too many congested roads in a highly populated area?

Whatever the reason, something needs to be done to ensure there is improvement.