A PIONEERING scheme is set to head off road dangers in Guisborough.

The road safety committee has come up with a ground-breaking plan to ease perils faced by pedestrians.

An initiative called Pedestrians in Perilous Situations is being launched to spotlight locations where people face exceptional danger.

Three spots have been earmarked to get the scheme under way. Members are now looking at sites which can be added to the action list and considering how the project can best be run and organised.

Once a location is recorded, the committee will use all possible means to make these places known to the public. By doing so, it hopes to heighten pedestrians' awareness of the perils and hopes drivers will also be aware of the vulnerability of people crossing at these points.

The three "PIPS" locations already identified are:

l The Westgate and New Road junction near Weatherall's shop. Here, many vehicles turn quickly into New Road without proper regard to pedestrians already crossing.

l Jewson's joinery depot exit in Westgate where some vehicles exit too fast even though an internal notice warns them not to.

l When crossing from West End to Westgate to get to the bus stop at Hutton Lane End, pedestrians have a restricted view of traffic.

"This is unavoidable," said the committee, "and motorists should be aware of their plight and drive with consideration."

Secretary Mr Alan Elliott said: "Members feel that roads in the town are becoming increasingly pedestrian-unfriendly and they wanted to come up with new ideas to redress the balance.

"They realise the authorities cannot do everything and it is up to individuals to help themselves. By identifying and publicising these perilous situations for pedestrians, it may prompt people to take more care.

"Just as important, motorists will also be made aware of the difficulties people have at these points and hopefully give more consideration to the pedestrians they encounter."

Mr Elliott said he was not aware of a similar scheme being tried anywhere else.

"This is a unique initiative on the part of Guisborough road safety committee," he said. "We hope it will work and if it does we will be very happy to see PIPS growing in other areas."

Redcar and Cleveland council road safety officer Mr Mike Hall welcomed the scheme. He said it was similar to initiatives being run by the authority at accident blackspots.

"If we can help the committee in any way, we will," he said.

Anyone wanting more details of the scheme can call Mr Elliott on 01287 631117.