A NEW zebra crossing in Yate is causing dangerous "near misses" on a weekly basis, according to residents in the area. 

The crossing was installed roughly six months ago and is located behind the Yate Riverside complex on Station Road.

It provides a link to the shopping centre from Lye Field Park, where children often ride their bikes.

In the past week alone, three residents have reported "near miss" accidents to Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall.

He said: “As a fellow resident of Yate, I frequently use this road and fully appreciate the issue many local people have raised.

“I have been notified of at least three major incidents at the crossing, and these all took place within a short space of time."

He added: “I fully appreciate and share residents’ concerns about this crossing.”

The MP is now calling on South Gloucestershire Council to reassess the current road safety on Station Road, and in particular address the current problems with the zebra crossing.

Possible solutions to the problem include installing pedestrian barriers or bollards at each side of the crossing, whilst ensuring greater visibility for drivers.

Having run a business in Yate, West of England Conservative Mayoral candidate Tim Bowles has shared his own personal concerns about the crossing.

He said: "Road safety is a key priority here.

“As we enter the summer months, more and more people are out on their bikes.

"We want to ensure that these people, and particularly children, are safe."

Mary Newport, 79, of Winterbourne, regularly uses the crossing to visit her family.

She said: “The zebra crossing is a real danger for pedestrians and motorists.

“With a family living just round the corner, I have witnessed countless near misses and really feel something needs to be done.”

Mr Hall is reassuring residents that he will be continuing to monitor the situation on Station Road, and is asking for any incidents or near accidents to be reported to South Gloucestershire Council immediately.

A spokesman for South Gloucestershire Council said: “We are aware of the concerns raised by local residents regarding the zebra crossing on Station Road.

“Our reported injury record indicates that there have been no accidents on this zebra crossing to date.

“The crossing has good visibility on this length of Station Road from both directions.

“This zebra crossing was introduced in conjunction with the new retail/cinema development and was subject to a Stage 3 Road Safety audit, which was carried out by road safety engineers. 

"The only comment made by the audit was to remove overhanging branches to ensure suitable forward visibility and this overgrown vegetation has now been cut back.”