SOUTHAMPTON’S mums have launched a campaign to crack down on traffic chaos outside their homes.

Hundreds of residents signed a petition to persuade city traffic to install a crossing along Chapel Road, St Mary’s.

Following the closure of Central Bridge, residents have seen a rise in the number of cars passing through the area.

Mum’s claim it can take more than ten minutes to cross the road on the way to school – sparking fears over child safety.

Anna Matthews, a 42-year-old mother of five said: “It’s been so bad that builders working on a nearby site have actually stood in the road and stopped the traffic so that we can cross.”

John Denham, Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, has thrown his support behind the campaign. He said: “A crossing could make the road safer and more convenient for the thousands of people living in the developments that have sprung up over the past five years.”

The mothers are set to take the petition, which has more then 600 names, to the Southampton City Council on November 17.

A City Council spokesman said repair works on Central Bridge had cause more traffic being diverted on to nearby roads. He added: “Although the works are disruptive to traffic, the overall outcome will see a marked improvement.’’ “We are always interested to hear residents concerns and will always try to help where we can.”