Traffic calming measures are to be installed in a village to help relieve congestion and block rat-runners.

Bradford Council has applied to introduce speed humps in Manor Road and Manor Drive, Cottingley, following angry calls from residents who claim drivers are using the streets as short-cuts.

As previously reported, Council Highways chiefs have admitted that 900 more vehicles are using Cottingley New Road daily since the opening of the Bingley Relief Road, causing major congestion.

An application has been made to install a puffin crossing outside The Sun pub in Bradford Old Road and a mini roundabout at the road's junction with Cottingley Moor Road to ease heavy traffic.

Under the proposals "No waiting at any time" signs for motorists would be erected on parts of Bradford Old Road and Cottingley Moor Road to stop people causing queues by parking on the busy roads.

A one-way system is also to be introduced for a trial period.

Action has been taken following a survey last year when 1,800 questionnaires were sent to villagers asking for their views on options to stop drivers using short-cuts between Bradford Road and Cottingley New Road. Shipley area committee agreed in December to:

l a small roundabout and pedestrian crossing at the Bradford Old Road and Cottingley Moor Road junction

l a north-bound one-way system on Linkway and Bradford Old Road

l speed humps in Manor Drive and Manor Road.

Bradford Council's senior engineer Richard Bruce said: "Traffic calming measures favoured by the majority of residents include introducing road humps on Manor Drive, along with short sections of experimental one-way roads on Linkway and Bradford Old Road. This will help to control traffic through the village.

"The proposals also include the installation of a mini roundabout on Bradford Old Road at the junction with Cottingley Moor Road, which will ease congestion. Cars turning right by Cottingley Village Primary School will be given priority, which in turn will improve traffic flow.

"A puffin crossing will also be installed just beyond the junction to make sure school children can cross safely."

Ken Patchett, of The Avenue, Cottingley, said peak-time traffic was cutting up Grange Park Drive from the A650 and driving through a housing estate to Bradford Old Road in order to avoid the Cottingley New Road traffic lights.

Howard Clough, of Cottingley Community Association, said the plans were "a step in the right direction" but disagreed with speed humps in Manor Road, saying they would hinder emergency services.

People have until April 15 to give their views on the proposals to Bradford Council.