Most county schools are set to have 20mph zones around them in the next two years, it was announced today.

In Leicester, council leaders have pledged to make it a "priority" to introduce speed limits outside schools, but have not set a deadline.

The news came as hundreds of pupils joined a campaign by road safety charity Brake to get drivers to slow down outside schools.

Youngsters at All Saints' Primary, in Long Street, Wigston, have seen traffic slow down since restrictions were put in outside their school.

Headteacher Mary Lawson said: "We contacted the county council to have a 20mph zone installed and the change has been very noticeable.

"What importance is there over an extra 10mph if it saves a child's life?"

Pupil Harry Kenning, six, from Wigston said: "It's very important for cars to slow down near schools because if they are zooming past when we cross the road they could run us over.

"If they are slow, then we can cross the road safer."

Latest figures show 27 children in the county were run over outside schools in the 12 months to April.

Between January and December 2008, 84 child pedestrians and 35 cyclists were hit by vehicles in the city – although it is not known how many were outside schools.

The county council hopes to get 20mph zones installed outside all schools by 2011.

A spokeswoman said: "We have a programme to provide 20mph zones outside all schools in Leicestershire, where feasible, by 2011.

"Schools that have produced a travel plan to encourage sustainable travel modes are being given priority."

The city council is also considering plans to implement 20mph zones outside schools as a priority, but said it may not be possible for schools on main roads.

A student knocked over a year ago as she walked home from school said 20mph speed limits should be installed outside every school in the county.

Marnie Carvelli, 16, suffered a shattered leg, extensive lacerations to her arms and serious facial injuries when she was run over at a pedestrian crossing on her way home from school.

Marnie, who goes to Guthlaxton College, Wigston, said she still panics when she sees other children crossing the road.

She said: "I don't know why someone would even think about driving at speed when there are children around.

"There should be 20mph zones outside every school.

"It's other people's kids that drivers could kill just because they haven't slowed down."

The physical scars caused by the incident may have faded but some of the emotional ones live on for Marnie.

She said: "I still panic now though when I see other kids crossing the road. It is because I imagine them getting hit."

Ffion Davies, consultant in accident and emergency at Leicester Royal Infirmary, said there was a huge difference between being hit at 20mph and at 30mph.

She said: "It could be the difference between being disabled and just having a broken leg. It can also be the difference between life and death."