Relatives of people killed by speeding traffic have joined campaigners urging the prime minister to take action to reduce deaths on the roads.

The Safe Streets Coalition on Tuesday began a campaign to persuade the government to cut speed limits, especially near schools.

The coalition of 22 major charities insists action must be taken to reduce the annual total of 5,000 children who are killed or injured while walking or cycling in Britain.

A mother whose teenage son died after being hit by a speeding car and an 11-year-old girl whose grandmother died in a zebra crossing incident were among those who delivered a plea to Tony Blair at Downing Street on Tuesday morning.

Road safety campaigners argue the focus on rail following the Paddington disaster in October has overshadowed the dangers.

The assistant director of Transport 2000, Lynn Sloman, said: "We call on Tony Blair to give a precious Christmas promise to children to make Britain's roads safe.

"We know of hundreds of communities in villages across the country which are angry and concerned at speeding traffic - but their councils will do nothing."

She said speed limits outside schools should be reduced to 20mph if parents supported the change.

Other groups in the the Safe Streets Coalitions include the Children's Society and the Child Accident Prevention Trust.

They are worried the government's speed policy review, due out in January, will not be tough enough.