The Daylesford Primary School council requested that VicRoads install the speed zone between Vincent and Bridport streets because it was a safety hazard.

But VicRoads Western Region manager Lance Midgley said the location did not meet the criteria for school speed zones and refused the request.

School council president Noel Bear said parents and teachers had raised concerns about the area.

"There's been no specific incidents but it's a general safety concern. There are pre-school children accessing the area and school children," he said.

"There's a 40kmh zone at the front of the school and a safety zones should be present in the Central Springs Rd section."

Mr Bear said he was disappointed with VicRoads' refusal.

Daylesford Pre-school co-ordinator Sally Degenhardt said she was concerned about the quantity and speed of the traffic.

"I'd like to see a separate crossing because I'm concerned about pick-up and drop-off times. Parents park on the other side of the pre-school and there are no signs to alert people that children may be crossing," she said.

Lorena Ordenes from Daylesford uses Central Springs Rd to pick up her eight-year-old daughter, who has a vision problem, and at least four other pupils after school.

"We definitely need something to slow the traffic down and make it safe for children to cross," she said.

Mr Midgley said VicRoads assessed Central Springs Rd between Vincent and Bridport streets.

Mr Midgley said VicRoads would work with the community on any proposals to improve road safety.