Brightly-coloured pencil-shaped bollards will be placed outside a primary school to keep children safe.

It is the first time that the bollards have been used in London and they are part of a £20,000 scheme to boost safety outside Dorchester Primary School in Worcester Park.

The idea behind the bollards is to catch driver’s attention as people were concerned about speeding drivers and the sheer volume of traffic.

A range of road safety measures were agreed at the Cheam North and Worcester Park Local Committee.

Sutton Council’s deputy leader, Colin Hall, said: “We wanted to improve safety in the area and we also care about making sure our street environment is as attractive as possible.

“The pencil bollards are both effective and fun to look at. So, alongside the rest of the improvements, we hope that residents will be more than satisfied with the work that’s been done and the effect on their community.”

Other works, which will be carried out in August, will include widening the pavement directly outside the school, providing a safer road crossing and upgrading the road signs.

Children from Green Lane Primary and Nursery School in Worcester Park will also enjoy safer journeys after £20,000 was allocated for a zebra crossing and other improvements outside their school.

This is also due to be carried out in August, will tackle problems with parking by installing bollards, road markings and re-kerbing.