Safety campaigners are ready to form a human road block in a bid to stop speeding drivers.

Residents in Chapel Lane, Allerton, say they are turning to direct action to save lives on the road outside Rhodesway Upper School.

John McArthur, of Chapel Lane Rage Against Speeding Hooligans (CRASH), said: "The road is a rat run for speeding drivers.

"Most similar roads where there is a major secondary school have some sort of traffic calming nearby.

"We have nothing. The commuters are speeding through at the same time as the school children are coming out. There is going to be a serious accident there."

Mr McArthur made his call as Bradford Council revealed a proposed traffic calming scheme had not won approval for inclusion in this year's programme of works.

CRASH has now handed a 70-name petition to Bradford Council to demand action.

But Mr McArthur said: "We can't really afford to wait for the politicians. Even if we win approval for the scheme next April, it will be another year before work begins."

The group is now planning a summer of direct action.

School children are helping to make banners and signs to warn drivers to slow down.

And Mr McArthur said group members had agreed to take measures such as creating human road blocks if necessary.

They are also considering repeatedly crossing the road in a bid to slow down traffic.

But Councillor Clive Richardson (Con, Thornton) urged group members to stick to legal protest.

He said: "I have attended one of the group's meetings, but I had to close my ears to some of the suggested illegal protests.

"However, now that I am aware of the problem that exists in Chapel Lane, I give them my support.

"The petition is now going through the usual process. I hope something will get done."

A Council spokesman confirmed the CRASH petition had been received.

He said: "We will do a further survey of traffic speeds and volumes when the school reopens in September."