Call for Halifax Road traffic lights in mum's petition

Twelve-year-old Rowan Mullen was walking from St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College when the "terrible" collision happened at the junction of St Paul's Avenue and Halifax Road.

Thankfully, Rowan was not seriously hurt - but he was taken to hospital with leg injuries and has been left shaken by the crash, which is being investigated by police. 

His mum, 43-year-old Nichola Mullen, of Low Moor, has now launched an online petition urging Bradford Council to introduce a traffic light-controlled crossing at the junction.

She told the Telegraph & Argus of the moment she was told her son had been involved in a collision.

"It was a complete shock," she said.

"That phone call - it's one every parent dreads.

"I will always be able to picture him at the side of the road - his face was drip white and he was lying in an awkward position.

"We were overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers who helped and looked after Rowan at the scene - it restores your faith in humanity."

'He's wary about crossing the road'

Speaking of her son's injuries, Nichola said: "Rowan was badly bruised on both knees.

"His right leg - which received most of the impact - is still not fully recovered.

"He had X-rays on both legs but there were no fractures.

"It's certainly knocked his confidence and he's understandably very wary about crossing the road on his way home from school.

"He's taking things in his stride and understands that he is incredibly fortunate not to have received more serious injuries."

Rowan has been left bruised and shaken after the crash (Image: Mike Simmonds/Newsquest)

Nichola said the "terrible" crash could have been prevented had there been a traffic light-controlled crossing at the "extremely busy road".

"If anything positive can come from this terrible incident, it would be that Bradford Council takes action and installs a safe crossing at this junction," she added.

"Many school children and other pedestrians cross at this junction and they have a right to cross safely."

She urged people to sign her petition, which can be accessed by visiting www.change.org and searching for 'Nichola Mullen'.

In response, a Bradford Council spokesperson said: "This location is on our list for consideration for a possible scheme and we will be looking at the feasibility of a controlled crossing point at this location in the future.

"Should a workable scheme be identified, delivery will be subject to funding being found."

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said officers were called to the crash at around 4.30pm on January 4.

They added that enquiries were ongoing into the collision.