Desperate residents who were plagued by "rat runner" motorists tearing through their neighbourhood have helped design a safety scheme to halt the problem.

For more than a decade, people living along Bierley Lane had suffered motorists from the M606 using the road as a cut-through to the M62.

Ward councillor John Ruding (Lab, Tong) said: "It was a real problem for the residents here. Some of the driving was not just stressful but downright dangerous."

Several accidents involving local people had occurred, he added.

After hearing the concerns, Bradford Council allocated £70,000 for a calming scheme along the road and set about consulting residents. The improved, extended scheme, which has now been completed, ended up costing around £180,000.

"We leafleted every house in the lane and some of the surrounding areas inviting them to come to the next community forum meeting," said Coun Ruding.

A special committee of local residents was soon formed who went into talks with Council road planners.

"They put forward what the community wanted and the officers advised them on the best way to do this," said Coun Ruding.

"For example, it was clear from the outset that speed bumps were unpopular among locals."

The finalised scheme includes three new mini roundabouts, a single-lane "gateway" system at the Bierley roundabout end of the lane and seven chicanes running along it.

It also saw the installation of a cycle track and a complete set of new streetlights.

"Residents were involved throughout the whole process, even down to moving a chicane a couple of metres from a driveway and the exact positioning of road signs," said Coun Ruding.

"The message now is that if people have to use Bierley Lane then they will have to drive sociably and sensibly.

"As residents in the area we would rather they stay on the motorway as they should have all along."

The scheme has also involved the closure of Bierley House Avenue to prevent the problem simply being moved elsewhere.

"From the outset it has been an example of residents working well with the Council to improve their local situation. It has been an exercise in true local democracy," said Coun Ruding.

He added the scheme was particularly important for safety at New Hall Park Primary School and due to the increased traffic expected with the opening of a new Asda store in the area today.