A bid for a new crossing has been rejected because the road fails to meet Government guidelines.

Stanford Crocodile is a group made up of parents who walk their children to and from the Stanford Infants and Junior Schools in Brighton. It asked Brighton and Hove Council for two new crossings, one in Dyke Road and one in Old Shoreham Road, Hove, near Chanctonbury Road.

The council agreed and built a crossing in Dyke Road but this week turned down the bid for the second.

Government guidelines take into account the speed and amount of traffic needed to justify the expense of a new crossing.

Instead, the council has agreed to put a refuge with flashing lights in the middle of the road. A gesture the group has accepted.

The council is introducing both changes as part of the national Safe Routes to School Campaign.

Cabinet environment councillor John Ballance said it was trying to encourage a shift away from car use.

He added: "Walking parents of the Stanford schools will benefit from a safe route to school."

There will be new markings at school entrances telling cars to keep clear. In a second phase planned for next year, more kerb build-outs are proposed for Stanford Road while traffic calming will be introduced in Stanford Road and Highcroft Villas.

Crocodile spokeswoman Lou McCurdy said they still wanted a crossing. But she added: "We are prepared to accept what we are being offered at the moment."