IT HAS only just been opened, but there are already concerns about the number of motorists speeding on the Kirkwood Rd extension at Tweed Heads South.

A mum who lives at a residential complex near the new thoroughfare has launched a petition, urging council to install a 40kmh school zone.

Leonie Berry fears for the safety of students who attend three nearby schools - Tweed River High School, Tweed Heads South Public and Lindisfarne.

Ms Berry said since the road opened, residents had observed vehicles exceeding the 60kmh speed limit.

She doesn't believe the roundabout and refuge island on Kirkwood Rd are sufficient to ensure pedestrian safety, especially for kids.

"It's dangerous. It's asking for disaster," she said. "It's difficult for kids to judge how fast cars are going."

Tweed Heads South Public School principal Ian Reeson is among the teachers backing Ms Berry's campaign.

Mr Reeson said he wanted the area investigated, to see whether more signage and/or road markings were required to ensure student safety.

"If a 40km zone is best, let's do that," he said.

Police have confirmed they have had a couple of calls about the road from concerned members of the public.

Ms Berry plans to present the petition to Tweed Shire Council.

The petition, copies of which will be available at Tweed Heads South and Tweed River High, has already attracted more than 100 signatures.

The $17 million Kirkwood Rd extension and highway interchange was opened on January 14, and was a joint project between council and the State Gov

ernment.