CALLS are being made to review controlled pedestrian crossings around Worcester after fears they may be worsening congestion.

The city council's Labour group is calling for extra measures to ease Worcester's jams and make it more people-friendly.

Councillor Adrian Gregson, Labour group leader, says Worcestershire County Council should examine all controlled crossings around the city to better understand how they are impacting upon traffic.

He has also hit out at dodgy commuter parking which he says is "blighting" people's lives by impeding the flow of cars.

His call follows a campaign by Councillor Joy Squires, the city's Labour parliamentary candidate, to ban delivery vehicles from city centre streets for longer, something the county council has agreed to look into.

Cllr Gregson also said more 20 miles-per-hour restrictions could be introduced around schools as a safety measure.

The request to review crossings follows concern that some of them, like the Croft Road one opposite The Hive, are making tailbacks worse, although that particular facility is not controlled by a button.

Cllr Gregson said: "We need a better deal for local people not just in the centre but across the city, and we want to support any county council proposals to introduce 20 miles-per-hour zones around schools.

"This must be coupled with more emphasis on enforcement against inappropriate parking in residential areas and in keeping traffic moving during peak periods.

"Too many lives are blighted by inappropriate commuter parking.

"And given the various comments recently we're calling for a comprehensive review of controlled crossings to fully understand how they can be improved for pedestrians and to aid traffic flow."

The county council, which has ultimate responsibility for traffic and transport, said it would be willing to talk.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "It's an ongoing process to identify areas where traffic is not moving so well, but a complete review may be a bit OTT.

"It's a difficult balance but we are always looking for opportunities to improve things."

A county council spokesman added: "As the highways authority, we regularly review traffic flow across Worcestershire to ensure vehicles can move around the county as safely and conveniently as possible.

"We will await a formal approach on this matter and in the meantime continue to work with Worcester City Council to ensure any specific concerns are addressed."