FEARS have been raised of a fatal accident taking place at a set of temporary traffic lights on the A78.

Concerned residents say they are pleading with roads bosses and developers to make a crossing in Wemyss Bay safe before someone is killed.

Raymond Goodfellow has highlighted a lack of signs alerting drivers about the temporary lights at the foot of the hill beside the new Co-op on Shore Road.

A pelican crossing with a red and green man mechanism accompanies the temporary lights.

But retired mechanical engineer Raymond, who has also worked as a recovery driver, says the lack of signage is making it dangerous, particularly for drivers who don't know the area.

He is worried that a pedestrian could easily be knocked down.

Raymond, 66, said: "It's a fatality waiting to happen.

"There's no warning sign further up the hill to let drivers know that the lights are there and nothing to say that you're approaching a shop.

"I've witnessed a few near misses that could have been really nasty accidents.

"I worked as a recovery driver for years and even with a 30mph limit, if a loaded HGV was making its way down that hill trying to stop, it would be carnage."

Raymond is urging Transport Scotland, the Co-op and the developers of the store to do something about the 'treacherous' stretch on the trunk road.

He added: "The traffic lights have now been turned around away from vehicles but the green and red man still appear on the crossing.

"It's very confusing for pedestrians and for drivers.

"The parties involved really need to get their heads together.

"This is a safety matter.

"Someone could be knocked down.

"I'm concerned that someone will have to be killed before they will do anything about it."

Transport Scotland say the lights are in place in preparation for a new pedestrian crossing and that they are awaiting action from the Co-op and the developer.

A spokesperson said: "The safety of pedestrians on the A78 is of paramount importance to Transport Scotland and the temporary lights are in place to maintain pedestrian safety while we await the installation of the new pedestrian crossing.

"The new installation will commence once we are content that the statutory processes have been completed by the developer responsible for the Wemyss Bay Co-op development.

"In the meantime, the developer and their traffic management contractor will ensure that the necessary temporary warning signage is in place and this will be closely monitored."

A Co-op spokesperson said: "As a community retailer safety is always a number one priority for us and we are keen to see this resolved as soon as possible."