Heaton man's frustration over street being used as rat run

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), in collaboration with Bradford Council, is carrying out work that involves replacing ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

Three-way traffic lights due to gasworks on Toller Lane, Bradford (Image: Newsquest)

The work started on Monday (May 22) and is now expected to take six weeks, with July 7 targeted as the completion date.

To allow engineers to carry out the work safely and to protect the public, three-way traffic lights were put in place on Toller Lane and the junction of Leylands Lane.

Resident Khaqan Mirza is upset by speeding drivers using Toller Grove as a rat run (Image: Newsquest)

Toller Grove resident Khaqan Mirza said: "This week saw the start of roadworks on Toller Lane near the Hare and Hounds pub.

"This has led to Toller Grove being used as a rat run with people cutting through from Emm Lane to get into Toller Lane."

"Cars are absolutely flying up our narrow residential road at around 40 to 50mph," he claimed. 

"I have three young children who now can't go out to play unsupervised given the sheer volume and speed of vehicles.

"I've had people being abusive to me as I've tried to turn into my own driveway.

"School run times are an absolute nightmare.

"We get traffic queues up and down the street. It usually takes me 30 seconds to drive down the street but because of the queues, it took me 12 minutes the other day.

"There are a heck of a lot of schools around here and it gets busy.

Shay Lane remains closed to drivers (Image: Newsquest)

"This, coupled with the fact that Shay Lane inexplicably remains closed has made what was a lovely quiet residential area, a hazard.

"Historically, a lot of people would take Shay Lane through this area.

Concrete blocks don't allow access through Shay Lane (Image: Newsquest)

"They closed it during Covid, but have given no thoughts post-Covid about traffic volume and where it would all go.

"I've been living here 28 years and when they closed Shay Lane we've been getting more traffic pushing through here."

Mr Mirza claimed: "The road itself is crumbling as it wasn't designed for the volume of traffic now using it."

A Bradford Council spokesperson said:  "These are essential gas maintenance works on a busy road into the city and unfortunately traffic will be disrupted.

"The works are scheduled to be finished by July 7 and we would encourage drivers find an alternative route during this time.

"Any dangerous driving around surrounding roads should be reported to the police.

Chris Green, Business Operations Lead for NGN, said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these essential works.

“It is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Bradford. 

“We want to assure residents and road users we will work hard to complete this essential scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.” 

Bradford Council was contacted for comment, but did not respond by the time of going to press.