Parents in Orillia are pushing for a lower speed limit on Highway 12 which they say has become too dangerous for children heading to school.

“It’s scary just to cross the street,” one parent told CTV News.

Three schools are on or near the bypass which has a posted speed limit is 80 kilometres per hour.

“I have had a number of close calls,” said crossing guard Tom Daniel.

The highway is the responsibility of the Ministry of Transportation.

Orillia’s mayor agrees with parents that it’s time to lower the speed limit.

“I would think it might be time to seriously consider a speed reduction,” said mayor Steve Clarke.

The mayor says it may be time to designate the area a community safety zone or put up more signs.

The city is expected to send an official request to the ministry to review the speed limit in April.