A PEDESTRIAN crossing has been condemned as an accident waiting to happen.

The zebra crossing, in New Road, Princes Risborough, was set up in early February but has received criticism for not being visible enough.

Changes have been made to it and further improvements planned, but Buckinghamshire county and Princes Risborough town councillor Dennis Green believes there should be a pelican crossing across the road, or someone will get killed.

He said: "Some people are crossing the road and taking their life into their hands. An incident was reported to me where an elderly lady was crossing the road. The vehicle stopped for her and another car overtook the stationary vehicle and nearly knocked her over."

Brian Hill, of New Road, said: "You can see the skid marks on it. There's been a few near misses."

Princes Risborough town councillor Gary Hall said: "I think it's appalling. I think it should have been a pelican crossing."

Town councillors criticised the crossing when it was first put in because the Belisha beacons were not visible against the sky. Halos around the beacons have since been constructed but Mr Hill said the beacons were too tall.

Cllr Green originally pressed for a pelican crossing, with traffic lights, but the county council said it could not afford the extra £15,000. The town council also said it did not have the funds and residents should not have to pay extra in their council tax for what should automatically be provided.

A county council spokesman said a safety audit is being carried out by its officers and the police. Improvements will be considered once the audit is complete.