ABOUT 330 people have signed a petition urging Hartlepool Borough Council to install a crossing on one of the town's busiest roads.

They are asking the council to install a crossing at the junction of Powlett Road and Milbank Road.

The junction is used by people living on the Baker's Mead housing estate and in the Milbank Road area.

It is estimated that each day about 20,000 vehicles use the road, which the main route into town from the north.

Councillors will discuss the plans on Thursday.

A report to the meeting says: "Crossing is clearly very difficult at this location and pedestrians rely upon being able to find a gap in between signal sequences.

"This is often difficult due to right-turning vehicles exiting from the junction after the lights have changed and vehicles have been stopped.

"A pedestrian phase could only be provided on these signals by having an all-red phase for vehicles within the signals activated by a push button demand device.

"This would lead to great queuing of vehicles, particularly during the morning peak.

"It is clear the installation of pedestrian facilities at this location is highly desirable as it would provide a facility which would be used daily."

It has been proposed that the scheme, which will cost about £15,000, should be developed for implementation within the next two years.