Families say they face death on the roads - because people driving horses and carts are speeding through their estates.

People in Ravenscliffe, Fagley, Greengates and Sticker Lane say they have reported the problems of speeding and stray horses to police at neighbourhood forums.

Now Conservative parliamentary candidate for Bradford North Zahid Iqbal is asking the RSPCA to check the treatment of the animals.

He said: "The horses are often left to stray or are tethered to garden fences for long periods, during which time they are often subjected to vicious thugs.

"Complaints have been made about speeding ponies and traps racing around the estates at weekends, but unfortunately the police have not seen any incidents." Susan Brook, chairman of Oakdale tenants and residents' association and a member of Newlands Community Association, said: "Some of these horses are being driven at high speeds and it's a wonder somebody hasn't been knocked down.

"We have told the police but they say there is nothing they can do."

An RSPCA spokesman said it could not take the matter up until it received an official complaint.

Sergeant Brian Pickford, Eccleshill area traffic manager, said police were aware of stray and tethered horses in the area.

He said: "If anyone complains about the horsedrawn carts causing problems we will look into it.

"We can charge people with some offences from the days when there used to be more horsedrawn carriages around, but no accidents involving carts have been reported recently."