PARENTS and councillors have set up a petition, calling for the suspension of the "shambolic" roadworks on Holgate Bridge, in York.

City of York Council's opposition Labour group wants safer provision for pedestrians and cyclists, and a person to control traffic flow.

Tracey Simpson-Laing, Labour's spokeswoman on transport, said: "With weeks of work left this needs sorting now. Any explanation saying it is only temporary will not wash with York residents who use the bridge on a daily basis. There needs to be immediate action to fix this dangerous situation.

Coun Simpson-Laing wants the council's transport boss Ann Reid and those involved in the roadworks to act now.

She said: "I am calling on her, the council, Network Rail and their contractors to put in place immediately measures at Holgate Bridge to make both crossing the road and use of the footbridge' safer."

Labour wants the works suspended until the council:

* Provides safe crossing arrangements at both ends of the bridge for pedestrians.

* Has someone present to enforce motorists to stop.

* Provides safe arrangements for cyclists to turn in and out of Dalton Terrace and to cross the bridge without using the footpath.

Coun Simpson-Laing said: "On a number of mornings last week, the pedestrian lights were not working, meaning people have had to weave between the traffic to cross. It is no wonder that parents of children at St Paul's school have concerns, as have those attending All Saints', The Mount, Millthorpe, Acomb Primary and English Martyrs.

"I have also experienced traffic still coming over the bridge when the inward bound traffic has the green light, and have been told that traffic during the evening peak is tailing back to Nunnery Lane. I know I will be told that this is a policing matter and that the police do not see it as a priority. But the council should pay if it needs specialist policing."

Coun Reid said the works were being done by the bridge's owners, Network Rail and said Coun Simpson-Laing was "mischief-making".

She said work was due for belated completion on May 16, and said she had arranged for the lights to be manually controlled at all times, rather than peak only.

She said lights had not broken, but added: "There are problems with drivers going through on red lights and the council does liaise with the police. However, Coun Simpson-Laing is well aware that the police have withdrawn any involvement in policing events or roadworks, even if we offered to pay them.

"I would urge drivers to be cautious and patient when using this section of road for the next three weeks."