Teenagers are so concerned by the dangerous road outside their school they have called for urgent action to make it safe.

More than 900 people have signed a petition being gathered by pupils at Longhill High School in Rottingdean calling for something to be done about Falmer Road.

Eighteen months ago a 12- year-old boy suffered a broken leg when he was hit by a car as he crossed the 40mph road.

There were four accidents in the road in the first halfterm of this year alone.

Pupil Rosie Inman, 14, part of the group leading the campaign, said: "People are getting hurt and something needs to be done. It is becoming increasingly dangerous out there."

The teenagers have called for the speed limit on the stretch of road outside their school to be reduced from 40mph to 30mph.

They also want a pedestrian crossing installed so pupils can safely get to a bus stop opposite, which many use to get to and from school.

Teacher John Wilson said: "The speed limits are bizarre.

It changes from a 30mph zone to a 40mph one as you approach the school. It doesn't make sense."

Rosie and fellow school council members Daisy Butler, 14, Rachel Titheradge, 13, Jess Thompson, 14, Georgina Healey, 15, and Esther Ali, 13, plan to deliver the petition to Brighton and Hove Mayor David Smith and Brighton Kemptown MP Des Turner.

They have conducted traffic surveys showing more than 1,000 vehicles use the road between 7.45am and 8.15am each day, at the time when most pupils are arriving at school.

Rosie said: "A lot of people at the school feel strongly about this. It is important something is done."

Esther said: "It's very bad.

Most days we have to run across and dodge cars."

Sussex Police confirmed there had been several accidents.

Brighton and Hove City Council said there were no immediate plans to change the speed limit.

A spokeswoman said: "We invested £170,000 in a pedestrian and cycle path from Longhill School to Cowley Drive. We also built a toucan crossing over Falmer Road at the junction with Cowley Drive.

"We've listened to the concerns of the school and will be investing a further £10,000 in two vehicle-activated signs in Falmer Road."