MHK Jason Moorhouse has raised concerns around the new uncontrolled crossings on Douglas Promenade.

In the House of Keys Mr Moorhouse asked Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall what advice has been provided to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists about the crossings.

There are six ’uncontrolled tactile crossings’ contained in the prom refurbishment scheme.

He said they were ’very difficult to see when it is dark and wet’, and that despite them being outside his constituency, had caused him to ’break sharply whilst approaching one’ .

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’Last month, I was at the Methodist Church on the Promenade and a lady commented on how the crossing almost invites you to rush across it and towards the sea - I could see what she meant from the doorway [of the church]!,’ said Mr Moorhouse, who represents Castletown, Arbory and Malew.

’Some pedestrians are getting used to these crossings, but to people who visit the area infrequently or just arrive off the boat could be challenged.

’Why are there no warning signs and would it be possible to modify these crossings to improve safety?’

He added: ’I do recognise this has incorporated elements of shared space, but to have an uncontrolled informal crossing at the opposite side of the junction to a conventional zebra crossing at Admiral House and the Methodist Church does look questionable.’

Mr Moorhouse said he would like to see signage added to the crossing outside Admiral House (at the intersection between Regent Street and Loch Promenade).

’This is very close to the Sea terminal, immediately after a zebra crossing and close to major entertainment venues,’ he added.

’All factors which could increase the chances of an accident occurring.

’No signage has appeared, even to suggest this is a shared area and on a wet day the crossings are not easy to see - what will be done to reduce the risk of an accident?’

Readers have also raised concerns about pedestrians stepping out abruptly into traffic at the crossings.

The other uncontrolled crossings which Mr Moorhouse raised concerns over were those at both sides of the roundel at the junction with Finch Road.

In other road news, there are no immediate plans to rollout recent changes to the UK Highway Code in the island. These controversial changes include the requirement for vehicles waiting to turn to give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road at junctions, and the right of cyclists to ride in the centre of the lane in certain circumstances.

The Department of Infrastructure commented: ’Consideration will being given to whether they may be duplicated on-island, while observing how they are implemented and received [in the UK].’