COMMUNITY-minded campaigners have welcomed a project to change a zebra crossing in Bradford that was labelled "Britain's most dangerous".

The crossing, on Horton Grange Road near the junctions of Spencer Road and Woodhead Road, is to have traffic lights installed by the start of next month after Bradford Council secured funding.

The crossing on the 30mph-limit road is located near two primary schools.

There have been repeated cases of drivers failing to stop at the zebra crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, with viral footage of near-misses and collisions even being highlighted by well-known TV and radio personality Jeremy Vine.

 

Last month, an eight-year-old boy was knocked down in the latest crash on the road, suffering minor injuries.

The Telegraph & Argus visited Horton Grange Road and spoke to Mohammad Haleem, who has long called for traffic lights to be installed at the crossing alongside fellow campaigner Abbas Najib.

Mr Haleem, who owns Spencer Foods in Spencer Road, said: "We're absolutely delighted that work will soon be starting to make it safer.

"This has been a very long time coming. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The crossing currently The crossing currently (Image: Newsquest)

"We started a petition demanding changes at least 15 years ago - 15 years, can you believe it?

"We've witnessed so many collisions there over the years - action is very much needed," added Mr Haleem.

Other residents told the T&A that bad driving - not the current crossing - was to blame for the string of collisions.

Mr Haleem said: "I hear people saying that but I do think then lights will make a positive difference.

"When most people see a red light, they stop."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: "This zebra crossing has recently been the scene of several incidents where drivers have failed to stop for those crossing the road and new crossing with traffic lights should make it safer.

"We have prioritised this scheme for progression and the funding has been identified.

"Now that the necessary statutory process has been undertaken and a suitable contractor has been secured, work can commence."

That work is set to start on October 9, with the project due to be finished by November 5.