THE father of a boy who was knocked down by a car last week is calling for something to be done about a “dangerous” roundabout.

Richard Sell is appealing for safety measures to be introduced at the Tesco roundabout in Baldock which links to South Road, London Road and the High Street.

Mr Sell’s 11-year-old son was hit by a car on South Road while he was walking to The Knights Templar School last Tuesday.

A vehicle had stopped to let him and a 16-year-old girl cross, but a second vehicle in the other lane continued to drive and collided with the children as they were crossing.

The girl was hospitalised with injuries to her foot and arm, while Mr Sell’s son suffered bruises and grazes.

“That roundabout is dangerous,” said Mr Sell.

“When it comes to children’s safety, really we should be aiming to get as close to zero risk as possible.

“In my own experience of crossing the road at Tesco, and through speaking to others, we should be doing more to make it safer.”

He suggested a feasibility study is carried out to determine what safety features could be adopted at the junction.

“I wouldn’t want people to think this is knee jerk reaction,” said Mr Sell. “I have had concerns for a while. Lots of people I have spoken to have the same concerns.

“The solution could be something as simple as a lollipop lady at school times.”

He suggested that Tesco has a corporate responsibility to get involved in making the roads outside its store safer, as the volume of traffic is largely due to Tesco customers.

“There’s a lot of talk about the Big Society and I do think Tesco has a role to play,” Mr Sell said.

“At the entrance to Tesco, you have got traffic coming from London Road, the High Street and South Road. Keeping your eye on all those roads is tricky.”

He concluded: “I just feel that, with my son being in an accident, it would be wrong of me not to raise the issue.”

A spokesman for Herts Highways said: “We welcome feedback from the public on how we can improve safety on our roads.

“We would be happy to listen to Mr Sell’s concerns about this junction.

“Members of the public can report their concerns through our website www.hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults or they can call us on 0300 123 4047.”

A spokesman for Tesco said: “If the highways department thinks there’s an issue, we are part of the community and we will engage with them.

“Safety around our stores is very important.”

Herts Police were unable to provide statistics of accidents at the junction at the time of going to press.