Work on a new road design to improve pedestrian safety in Kirk Michael village is due to begin on February 15.

The paving and crossing scheme had originally been planned to get under way at the start of January, but had to be put on hold due to the Covid lockdown.

But some villagers have raised concern about the safety of the new crossings.

Residents have been calling for years for action to improve safety through the village.

The speed and size of vehicles and narrow pavements can make the village extremely dangerous for pedestrians.

Highways chiefs unveiled their plans at a public meeting in the village in 2019.

The designs include new crossings, removable speed bumps, pavement widening and parking changes.

But some residents are concerned that the new red-striped zebra crossings could be confusing.

One posted on the Department of Infrastructure’s Facebook page that the department had ignored the wishes of local people.

She said: ’Instead they allow people who have been away and seen fancy, colourful things in the UK that no one understands because they are pointless and downright dangerous.

’If you are going to have a crossing have a crossing. If not allow people to rely on the green cross code. These unofficial crossings are dangerous as they are misleading.’

Another posted: ’Black and white is recognised internationally for pedestrian crossings, red and white no one will recognise.

’It will only confuse and that could be dangerous.’

’Have you not learnt your lesson about laying down non-standard road markings?’ Posted a third villager.

But the DoI responded: ’There are two zebra crossings that will feature Belisha beacons which are not shown in the artist’s impression.

’The zebra stripes are being constructed from red asphalt, rather than white paint to avoid adhesion issues when the road is used for road racing.’

Former police inspector Derek Flint asked: ’Have you taken legal advice on this, viz the lawfulness of the crossing, and also liabilities in respect of normal road safety versus road racing safety?’

Another resident expressed concern at having a raised pavement across a road junction.

’This costly Kirk Michael experiment makes it far more dangerous for pedestrians on mobility scooters or wheelchairs as they can easily topple off the raised hump, which doesn’t happen if they are on the roadway. It’s a lose-lose situation.’

Work will start at the northern approach to the village.

The road will remain open throughout, but there will be temporary traffic control in place where necessary.