Parents are campaigning for new road measures after an elderly woman was nearly crushed to death in an accident.

More than 200 people have signed a petition demanding new pelican crossings and traffic lights on Barkerend Road, which youngsters cross each day on their way to Barkerend First School.

The call comes after Louise Smith, thought to be in her 60s, was injured on the road last Friday morning on her way to Kwiksave.

Nasreen Khan was picking up her three-year-old daughter Iqrah from the school at the time.

"When she got knocked down, I stopped to help her off the road and called an ambulance," she said.

Stuart Wade, whose sons Ashley, seven and four-year-old Leo attend Barkerend First School, started the petition immediately after the accident.

"That road is a terrible road to cross," he said. "The cars just fly down at speed. In a few years' time, my kids will be going to school on their own."

He added that a crossing about half a mile up the road was too far out of the way and urged members of the community to attend a special meeting on the matter at the school at 2.30pm tomorrow.

Headteacher Margaret Hall, who has worked at the school on Hendford Drive for 15 years, said the volume of traffic was getting worse.

"It is dangerous," she said. "We have a crossing patrol for the children but he often has problems with people coming racing round the roundabout which joins New Otley Road and not stopping."

A council spokesman confirmed they were aware of traffic problems in the area and were looking at ways to improve the situation through the Local Transport Plan.

PC David Peach, of Bradford Central Police's traffic section said an arrest was made later in connection with the accident. A 54-year-old man from Eccleshill has been released on bail.

Bradford Royal Infirmary said the woman was in a "critical but stable condition".

Witnesses should call Bradford Central Police on 01274 376459 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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