Residents of Orford Way in Malvern are trying to stop motorists who use their road as a rat-run.

A petition calling on Malvern Hills Highways Partnership to take action has been signed by more than 200 people.

A study by the highways department in March revealed that more than 2,400 vehicles used the road, which links North End Lane and Madresfield Road.

However, it was felt that the traffic was not travelling at dangerous speeds and because there had been no accidents, action was not needed.

Residents, who disagreed with the decision, launched the petition.

Malvern Langland councillor Jennette Davy handed the petition to Worcestershire County Council on Thursday (November 20).

She said: "The sheer volume of traffic passing along Orford Way is incredible, motorists use the road to avoid congestion on Pickersleigh Road and this causes residents a lot of upset. I don't believe that waiting until an accident happens is the right way forward, something needs to be done now."

Coun Davy said 'access only' signs at either end of the street were ignored by motorists and speed bumps did not slow traffic down.

Orford Way resident Richard Evans said: "The traffic is a major problem, especially during rush-hour. It worries me a lot as I have grandchildren living opposite and it would be very easy for a child to step out from between parked cars and be knocked down.

"We need some proper speed bumps, or chicanes along the road and the police should do spot checks. It's dangerous at the moment."

Mike Davis, highways partnership manager, said: "We're doing various studies into traffic speeds and volumes to determine the extent of the problem. We're also working with West Mercia police about what we can do jointly."

The matter will be discussed by the highways partnership committee on December 3.