Temporary traffic lights have been installed at a busy crossing which is shielded with scaffolding after a pedestrian was reportedly knocked down.

The Central Station crossing’s bridge, opposite Radnor Park in Folkestone, has been cluttered with scaffolding for months while preservation works are carried out.

It is thought that the scaffolding will be removed in February but this has not been confirmed.

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Some residents argued that the scaffold poles restricted their vision of the zebra crossing and those waiting to cross both ways.

It is thought that Network Rail responded to safety fears and installed a set of temporary traffic lights, so that those who want to cross press the ‘wait’ button.

The light then turns red, so that pedestrians can cross safely without the worry a motorist had not seen them.

But Cllr Mary Lawes (Ukip) said that the traffic lights are causing yet more problems.

She said: “The lights have been installed recently because of a pedestrian being knocked down on the crossing.

“But no one has been advised of the new system which has a temporary pelican crossing.

'A lot of drivers and pedestrians are not used to the change' - Cllr Lawes

“A lot of drivers and pedestrians are not used to the change and pedestrians walk onto the crossing without pressing the lights.

“Drivers have a green light to go but then slam on the brakes when a pedestrian is waiting to cross or is actually crossing.”

The manager of the Bridge Cafe, who did not want to be named, said: “To be honest it is a bit silly, people are just walking out and the traffic lights are saying go to the drivers.

“Sometimes people use the crossing and sometimes they don’t, it is a catch 22, I feel sorry for both sides.”

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It is understood that Kent County Council has been made aware of the traffic light installation.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "We have, and continue to make improvements to the pedestrian crossing at the Cheriton Road bridge and this included installation of temporary traffic signals.

"We are providing greater awareness of the crossings location - through additional signage, improved lighting and the temporary traffic signs.

"We will continue to monitor site conditions and where necessary make further amendments.”