Parents and teachers have demanded immediate action after a string of fatal accidents outside their school.

The Friends of Thornton Grammar School is spearheading a campaign to reduce speed along Thornton Road and install a new crossing to save pupils' lives.

The call comes just days after a 21-year-old man was killed near the school entrance when his motorbike crashed into a Nissan van on the junction with Leaventhorpe Lane.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and a second person was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary with two broken legs.

Physics students who recently monitored speeds outside the school found that 90 per cent of cars were travelling above the legal limit of 40mph.

Headteacher John Weir said he was becomingly increasingly concerned, particularly after 500 extra 11 and 12-year-old students were admitted this term.

He said: "Saturday's tragic accident on this lethal section of road further adds to the strong argument for speed-calming measures and a safe place for students to cross to be introduced. "

He added that congestion was also a major problem due to delays in finishing two new buildings on the school grounds.

Members of the newly-formed parental pressure group met police officers yesterday.

PC Philip Clapham, of Toller Lane police, said they were working with the school and Bradford Council to improve road safety.

He said: "During the next few weeks, officers will be taking action against speeding drivers on Thornton Road and motorists who infringe traffic regulations by parking and causing obstructions.''

Mr Weir added: "We could learn a lot from the USA with regard to this matter where all traffic is slowed down to 10mph in the close proximity of school buildings.''