PENSIONERS are calling for a reduced speed limit in a busy Pinner road.

Residents at Pinner House, an independent home for the elderly in Church Lane, claim they are at risk of injury from motorists driving round the corners from Paines Lane and High Street.

A 30mph speed limit is in place and police say a recent monitoring of drivers’ speeds found them to be within the limit. However, the pensioners are calling for the limit to be reduced to 20 miles an hour to make it easier for them to cross the road safely.

Margaret Hay, 87, fell over a few months ago and sustained cuts and bruises when a car narrowly avoided her and a friend.

The former undertaker said: “My friend Jenny and I had been out to lunch and were coming back to the house. There was nothing coming so we put one foot into the road and this car came screaming round the corner from the High Street.

“Jenny fell and as I was holding on to her I fell over too and couldn’t get up. I banged my head and had to wait until some chap came and helped me up.”

Pamela Kent, deputy manager at Pinner House, said: “It is something that has been an issue for a while.

“I would say the average age here is over 80, but many are very active. It would be better if there was a crossing of some sort or the speed was reduced, even if a sign was put so people coming round the corner would know to slow down.

“We have raised the issue with the police but unfortunately it seems there would have to be a fatality until something gets done.”

There are 30 residents aged between 65 and 101 at the home and there is no crossing anywhere at the top of the High Street.

At a recent public meeting, Sergeant Roni Doyle from Pinner Safer Neighbourhoods Team said a police check using speed guns had been done in the area, but no motorists had been found to be speeding.

Pinner ward councillor Stephen Wright, who is lobbying the council for changes to be made, said: “Due to the narrowness of the road some cars come up on to the pavement and if there are elderly people there, they think they are in danger. Hopefully the next stage will be consultation with the residents.”

Cynthia Wells, who is on the management committee of Pinner House, confirmed that cars coming from the High Street on to Church Lane often mount the pavement if there is another car coming in the opposite direction, which she said can be dangerous for elderly residents trying to cross the road.

She said: “This problem has been going on for years and it is something the residents have impressed on us to change.”

A proposal has been given to the council to extend the double yellow lines in the hope of easing the flow of traffic along the road.