PEDESTRIANS are dicing with death after a new crossing left them dodging confused motorists.

Now council bosses have admitted they may have to alter traffic lights in the area in a bid to solve the problem.

The problem was highlighted by a businessman who said he was almost killed by a lorry because of the traffic signalling on the new crossing.

John Grogan, 55, pressed the button for the crossing at The Circus in Darwen and was walking across from the post office when a 7.5-tonne lorry came hurtling down the road and braked just in time to avoid hitting him.

Council chiefs have admitted there is a problem when traffic coming from Bolton is held up by congestion and has to queue through the junction.

They said vehicles have passed a green light but if the lights change to red while they are queuing then they set off without realising that pedestrians have been given a green light to cross.

The situation is the same at crossings in Bolton Road and Railway Road and council chiefs are now monitoring all three.

Mr Grogan, from Rosemount, Tockholes, said he and the driver argued over whose fault it was until they realised the new crossing created during regeneration works did not warn the driver to slow down.

Mr Grogan said: "I came to what I believed was a pelican crossing and I was almost killed. It only stops traffic one way.

"I was so overcome with emotion my instant reaction was to remonstrate with driver but he said there was nothing to say to stop."

Mr Grogan contacted police who inspected the site and immediately got in touch with Blackburn with Darwen Council.

A spokesperson for the council said: "As the traffic signals have settled down there does now appear to be a certain scenario whereby, with no one at fault, a potential problem can still exist."

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "We are aware of the recent difficulties experienced by people crossing at this pedestrian facility.

"This signal works with others in the area and our traffic engineers are monitoring the situation on a daily basis.

"Early indications show we may have to arrange for alterations to some signal timings."

Mr Grogan, who is co-owner of Solitaire Fashions with his wife Jenny, 53, said his experience was not unique.

"People have commented to my wife that somebody will be killed there or somebody will be seriously injured," he said.

Officer Gary Makin from the road policing unit said: "We are making inquiries with the council and they have been made aware of the problem.

"We are hoping it will be dealt with in a couple of days."