A councillor has blasted motorists for putting lives at risk by turning a town centre street into an illegal rat-run.

Councillor Phil Thornton is now calling for police action to stop car drivers using the buses-only section of Shipley's Market Square to avoid traffic snarl-ups in the town.

The councillor, who works as a bus driver, said more and more motorists, including taxi drivers, were ignoring the road signs to cut through Market Square.

He said: "People are rat-running along there to and from Kirkgate to avoid congestion on Otley Road.

"As bus drivers we're not supposed to exceed 15 mph on that stretch, which is where all the bus stops are, but the motorists are going a lot quicker than that - probably to avoid being caught - and with no regard for pedestrian safety.

"My fear is we're eventually going to have someone seriously injured or even killed. I'm seeing it happen daily, and because people are getting away with it they're doing it more and more. The traffic regulations are there and we need the police to enforce them.''

Councillor Thornton (Lab, Shipley East) added: "The regulations were brought in to improve pedestrian safety, encourage more people to use public transport and promote the town centre.

"Turning it back into a busy road is putting people's safety at risk, cutting off that side of Market Square and making the town less attractive to shoppers - which is bad for business.''

Jackie Tinkler, deputy manager of the Help the Aged charity shop in Market Square, said: "I've noticed it myself and it is very worrying because we get a lot of elderly customers crossing the road to come here.

"Something needs to be done, otherwise we'll end up with someone getting knocked down and then it will be too late.''

Inspector Milly Wheelwright, of Keighley police, said: "We are concerned about road safety and reports that motorists are breaking the law.

"We're taking it seriously and the traffic department will be patrolling that area and dealing with any offenders.''

Motorists caught flouting the law face being served with £30 fixed penalty tickets, she said.