Planned aesthetic improvements to Ramsgate Road in Sandwich have raised grave safety concerns about a shared cycle route and footpath.

Kent County Council has designed improvements after residents raised concerns that the road was being used as a free car park, with tyres churning up the verge.

But the subsequent plans do not call for demarcation lines making it impossible for cyclists and pedestrians to know which section of the path they should be on – increasing the risks of collisions.

Cllr Mark Moorhouse said: “It’s compulsory for motorists to have insurance but it’s not compulsory for cyclists to have any kind of insurance. There’s got to be some kind of protection for pedestrians.”

Having no markings is national policy, but the lack of signage has been criticised because it does not tell pedestrians to be aware that cyclists share the path.

It also fails to make it clear to cyclists that they can use the path, meaning they will continue to use the road.

Cllr Moorhouse attended a meeting with residents this week who claim the aesthetic improvements are “fatally flawed”.

Twelve residents from Stonar Close and six from Stonar Gardens helped suggest amendments to the county council’s plan.

These include: Double yellow lines on both carriageways of the Ramsgate Road with subsequent enforcement as a no parking zone; installation of wooden bollards to prevent cars from parking on the shared footpath; clear demarcation lines between the cycle lane and pedestrian footpath; additional signage to be installed close to the entrances into Sandwich Industrial Estate and the Willowbank Estate advising cyclists to keep to the right or left (depending on direction of travel).

Sandwich council endorsed the suggestions and offered support in pressuring KCC to get the improvements.