A PAVEMENT has been painted on a so-called dangerous road under a bridge in Par as an experiment.
Tywardreath Cornwall councillor David Hughes used £2,500 of his highway improvement budget so that people can walk safely under the Moorland Road railway bridge.
"We tried to be imaginative," he said.
"As far as I'm aware we've had no actual accidents on the road but there have been some very near misses. If someone's walking under there at night in dark clothing you just don't see them."
There wasn't enough room for a raised pavement under the bridge that would comply with regulations.
So a 2ft-wide red stripe was painted along the road, with a double yellow line bordering it.
This means pedestrians have right of way but wide vehicles can still get through.
"It will be interesting to see how well it works but it's definitely going to be a useful experiment," said Mr Hughes.
"Pedestrians will be more visible now and have a right of way.
"It makes it safer for people who are probably not at their most agile and can't jump out the way of cars."
He said the footpath on the other side of the bridge is too narrow for mobility scooters and double pushchairs, so it could also be replaced with a wider virtual footpath, if the idea is a success.
"So far I've had about three phone calls from people saying what a brilliant idea it has been.
"No one has said it's stupid or anything like that," added Mr Hughes.
The yellow lines on Chapel Road have also been extended and there are plans to paint more along roads coming into Tywardreath from the Castledore direction.
â What do you think of the virtual pavement experiment? Give us your views by calling 01726 871098 or e-mail clowe@c-dm.co.uk
