Traffic and Highways Services, which comes under the remit of the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure, has applied for planning permission to install new street lamps among other improvements. 

Pictured: The planning application was listed this week.

THS said if planning permission is given then work will take place on a phased basis across the island, with the Fountain Street one first because it is one of the "busier crossings" on one of the main arterial routes into town, with a "high number of both vehicular and pedestrian movements."

Concerns have been raised about how "conspicuous" the crossing is though, especially on darker nights.

"The introduction of specialist street lighting will improve the conspicuousness of zebra crossings and thus better highlight the presence of pedestrians making use of the facilities.  This will be particularly beneficial on dark winter nights when daylight is scarce during both “am” and “pm” commuter periods," the spokesman said.

THS also revealed wider safety plans including 'blister paving' and 'dropped kerbs' at the edge of the pavements, before pedestrians step on to the crossings.

'The proposals for the installation of specialist street lighting and blister paving will set a new safety standard that will be rolled out to all existing zebra crossings on a planned and phased basis. 

"The lighting will not just benefit crossings in places such as Fountain Street. It is equally important to have a good standard of lighting at zebra crossings in areas where ambient lighting and other road signs and street furniture can easily blend zebra crossings into the landscape.

"The introduction of blister paving and dropped kerbs (where necessary) will provide improved access for wheelchair users, people with walking difficulties, the blind and partially sighted."