Pedestrians could be knocked down and killed by “silent” electric buses if a new contraflow system is introduced in Dover, a town councillor fears.

Former bus driver Mike Walters says the planned changes to Pencester Road are an accident waiting to happen, proclaiming: “I’ve seen enough dead bodies on the road.”

He voiced his fears as the project – which has also sparked concerns among traders, churchgoers and the local MP – was discussed at a meeting of the Dover Joint Transport Advisory Board.

The scheme involves installing a new lane for buses and bicycles on the current one-way road, allowing them to travel in both directions.

But Cllr Walters (Lab), who used to work for Transport for London and still drives coaches part-time, believes it will put lives at risk.

“People are used to a one-way system,” he said.

“Now you’re putting in a contraflow with electric buses, which are totally silent.

“And if you’re crossing Pencester Road and you’re expecting vehicles coming one way and you suddenly get a completely silent bus coming the other way there’s a high probability you will be injured or maybe even killed.

“Over my 25 years’ experience of driving buses in London and internationally I’ve seen enough dead bodies on the road. It's not scaremongering – it's a fact.”

Pencester Road is currently one-way for vehicles entering the street from Maison Dieu Road.

The new contraflow lane would allow buses and cyclists to join the road from Worthington Street and Biggin Street and travel in the opposite direction.

It is intended to support the planned Dover Fastrack zero emissions bus service, due to be complete in spring next year.

Two new stops would be added – one for the Fastrack and one for standard bus services.

Pavements would also be narrowed to make more space for the new road layout, while a central island would be installed to separate two lanes and provide gateways for the bus lane.

New signalised junctions would have to be installed at the Worthington Street, Biggin Street and Pencester Road junction and the Pencester Road and Maison Dieu Road junction.

The cost of the contraflow is estimated at £1.5 million but Cllr Walters believes it could be stopped by a higher authority - the London and South East Traffic Commissioner - on safety grounds.

He said: “If the issue of safety comes up when you’re planning the route and registering the route with Commissioner Sarah Bell she may very well ask very pertinent questions concerning safety, which could end up not allowing the route to be used.

!I recommend taking this concept to the Traffic Commissioner, and any objections, because otherwise you may end up spending a lot of money, time and effort putting in a contraflow system which is not authorised.”

Traders have also hit out over the proposal, with many worried about loss of business if the parking spaces are removed.

Members of St Paul’s RC Church, in nearby Maison Dieu Road, have also launched a petition against the scheme.

They fear it will cause tailbacks and make Maison Dieu Road more dangerous for road users and pedestrians.

Parish priest Fr Leo Illah said: “Our church is the heart of our spiritual community and needs to be protected from these damaging proposals.

“It is not right that these proposals will make it harder for disabled and the very elderly members of our community to access the church.”

Dover MP Natalie Elphicke also has her doubts, saying: “It's vital that the plans are looked at again.

“Let's protect St Paul's and maintain its vital role as a vital community hub for our town.”

A KCC spokesman said: “The design of the scheme has been, and will continue to be, subject to safety auditing processes in line with normal highway standards.

“Anyone with a view on the proposed contraflow can submit it to the public consultation.”

To take part, visit the letstalk.kent.gov.uk/pencester-road website.

The consultation on the plans will close at midday on Monday.