CAMPAIGNERS are calling for urgent action to improve safety on a busy Worcester road.

People say something must be done to make Bilford Road safer after an elderly woman was almost run over by a car that hit and badly injured her dog.

We reported how Joan Dovey was almost hit, while her dog Ellie suffered a fractured pelvis, as both tried to cross Bilford Road at the canal bridge at about 1.30pm on Monday.

The driver did not stop and police are investigating.

Mother-of-three Jo Whiting, who saw the drama unfold, is leading the calls for action.

Mrs Whiting, 32, said: "She (the driver of the car that almost hit Mrs Dovey) was going very, very fast.

"I thought she was going to hit her because of the speed. I was scared. Her arm was flung out where she had let go of the dog’s lead. The car hit the lead.

“I’m always trying to cross there. It’s quite dangerous. What happened to Joan could have happened to anybody.

"There’s no traffic island in the middle but it’s a big road. We're confused as to why it hasn’t been done.”

City councillor Neil Laurenson and county councillor Matthew Jenkins, who both represent the Green Party, organised a petition to Worcestershire County Council back in 2012, calling for extra safety measures.

But, bar the introduction of some hatchings, Cllr Laurenson says nothing has been done.

Cllr Laurenson says a flashing speed sign could be used to try and slow drivers down.

“I would like to see something more fundamental (than the hatchings) at that junction to make it safer," he said.

"What more can we do to make it clear that we want that junction changed to make it safe to cross? We could do another petition but we’re at risk of getting the same response.

“If any good comes out of this incident it will be that it makes the county council more minded to re-design the junction. Otherwise we’re going to read about more nasty incidents like this."

A spokesperson for Worcestershire Highways said: "We have been working with Cllr Jenkins to find a solution for residents concerned about the safety of pedestrians on Bilford Road.

"There is no suitable location for a crossing due to the number of private entrances and driveways. However we have been able to offer a vehicle activated sign to remind drivers they need to be extra vigilant in this area."

A spokesman for the Safer Roads Partnership said: "The particular road concerned is a very busy route, as with every road like this we would urge pedestrians to find a safe place to cross and advise motorists to keep their speeds down and look out for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users and to be aware of traffic coming out of the various side roads along this route."

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "Following the collision (on Monday) it's believed the vehicle did not stop and drove away from the scene.

"The vehicle is reported to be a distinctive blue car being driven by a woman with tied up blonde hair."

Anyone who witnessed the accident should call 101 quoting incident 0421S of August 22.