Red-and-black zebra crossings are being installed in Kirk Michael.

This unique type is being used because the road is part of the TT course.

The Mountain Course has no zebra crossing because the white paint markings causing a lack of grip for accelerating motorcycles.

However, this crossing will consist of red asphalt - which has the same grip as normal asphalt - while the zigzag markings on either side of the crossing will remain white.

The two crossings are at Michael School (near Douglas Road corner) and the Baltic Road/Balleira Road junction (to serve Cannan Court sheltered housing complex).

If the red zebra crossings are successful, the government says it may be an approach that can be used in other suitable locations around the course.

It said that the Kirk Michael crossings were in response to ’community wishes for more formal pedestrian crossings’, while accommodating TT safety requirements.

Department of Infrastructure officers explored several options after consultation with the community and Michael Commissioners, and decided that this new style of crossing ’creates a satisfactory balance between the needs of the village and those of race organisers’.

Although they appear different, the new additions will have the same legal status as standard crossings.

The work is part of a wider maintenance project.

A Traffic Regulation Order is in the process of being progressed, with a notice appearing in this week’s Isle of Man Courier in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1985.

People can send their comments about the measures to [email protected] or write to Regulations, Highway Services, Sea Terminal, Douglas on or before Friday (August 6).