A PRIMARY school has asked Bradford Council to close a road to traffic over concerns that it has become "unsafe for children."

The council has received a petition from Miriam Lord Primary School in Manningham, signed by 148 people, calling for the closure of Bavaria Place, the one way road in front of the school.

It says people use the road for "inconsiderate and illegal" parking during the school rush, and that cars can often be seen driving the wrong way up the road.

The petition will be discussed by the council's Bradford West Area Committee on Wednesday. Council officers have advised members of the committee that they decide not to close the road, but that new traffic warning signs be installed and for the school to request a crossing patrol.

The petition says: "We are becoming increasingly concerned with the volume of traffic around the school at the beginning and end of the school day.

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"Bavaria Place has always been a concern for the school. Many people double park on this road, often on restricted No Parking zones in front of the school gates.

"As well as this, the road is a rat run for drivers, who throughout the day speed up the road to reach Church Street. There are also many occasions where cars can be seen driving down the wrong way of the one way road.

"The junction is not safe for the children and the families of Miriam Lord. The concern of the school is that these dangers will inevitably lead to a serious accident taking place."

It says although there is a pedestrian crossing near the school, it is not on most children's route.

A report into the petition by council engineer Chris Bedford said a recent traffic survey on the road found the average speed to be 15mph.

It also points out that accident records have shown no crashes on Bavaria Place in five years, although there were two on the junction with Church Street.

It adds: "It was noted on a site visit, at school closing time, that the school keep clear marking on Bavaria Place was parked on illegally by parents picking up children.

"Bavaria Place is a popular route between Carlisle Road and Church Street, and it is used by motorists to avoid the Toller Lane, and Carlisle Road junction. The petitioners believe this road should be closed for road safety reasons.

"However, to do so would force more traffic to use the Church Street/Toller Lane junction. This junction is already on the road accidents 'sites for concern' list and a potential increase in turning movements could intensify the problems there."

The committee will decide on the petition when they meet in Bradford City Hall at 6pm.