Extra safety measures are needed at several pedestrian crossings in Bradford city centre following a fatal accident last year, an inquest was told.

John Mayes, 55, of Woodlesford, Leeds, died from a head injury four days after being struck by a slow-moving bus on the crossings at Bridge Street and Braodway.

Recording an accident verdict, Coroner Roger Whittaker said the restricted traffic flow along Bridge Street could lead to people becoming complacent about the lack of traffic.

Mr Mayes, the shipping manager of a Bradford company, had made the mistake of not looking both ways before stepping in front of the double deck bus, giving the driver no chance of avoiding him.

Mr Whittaker said he believed safety could be tightened up by the provision of verbal or written warnings at the crossings, making it clear to pedestrians that they should look both left and right as appropriate.

The problems were being created by people ignoring the "red man'' warning signals.

"They are there for their safety and pedestrians ought to be warned that they should obey these, as failure can lead to tragedies of this type,'' said Mr Whittaker.

He added that he would be making a report to "certain people'' in the hope that they would take notice.

His views were backed by traffic policeman Richard Andrews and Keith Reyner, a civilian expert with the police accident investigation branch.

PC Andrews said that after the accident last November he had sent a report to the council, suggesting the introduction of verbal warning devices or warnings printed on the surface.

He had been told the matter was pending a statistical report, and added: "Hopefully, they are going to do it.''

Mr Reyner said: "We have a problem in that we can make the area too safe and that drops people into a false sense of security on roads that are not too busy.''

The brickwork marking the crossings could suggest that it was a totally pedestrianised area, he added.

The bus driver, Terence Malloy, told police in a statement that he was travelling at between three and five miles an hour when the accident occurred.

He saw Mr Mayes on the pavement, looking left towards the Interchange. When the bus was almost level with him Mr Mayes stepped forward without looking to his right at all.

The coroner said that "in no way, shape or form'' should Mr Malloy blame himself for what happened.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "This was a tragic accident and we await the Coroner's comments. We have greatly improved pedestrian safety but we are always keen to consider any further suggestions."

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