Shoppers and pedestrians could be in danger from an ‘unofficial’ Marlow road crossing, according to motorists, with calls to install a safer alternative.

David Ball, of the Ridgeway, claims a "nasty" accident could be caused by the raised ramp at the back of Sainsbury’s on West Street.

He said shoppers use the shaded area to cross Riley Road to the car park - unaware the crossing has no official status on the 30mph Riley Road.

And the concerned resident says something should be done to address the problem before a misunderstanding causes a serious accident.

He said: "I was surprised to note what a potential safety hazard exists due to the ramp across the road from the back of the shop to the car park.

"Obviously built to facilitate the easy movement of heavily laden shopping trolleys, it now seems that many pedestrians think it is an official crossing.

"Apart from the fact that vehicles were parked either side of the ramp, obscuring drivers vision, there is nothing to indicate it was a crossing.

"As far as I know, the speed limit on this road is 30mph, and whilst drivers should be alert at all times, I think that this situation is most unsatisfactory.

"Presumably consideration was given to making this ramp into an official zebra crossing at the planning stage? Why has it not been given official blessing as a crossing - are we to await a nasty accident before wheels grind into motion?"

Transport for Buckinghamshire, which is responsible for the stretch of road, says planning permission for the ramp passed "all the required safety audits".

TfB spokesman Dan Elworthy said: "The raised ramp was installed as part of the Sainsbury’s development and planning permission and was paid for and organised by the developer i.e. Sainsbury.

"During the planning process a formal zebra crossing was not discussed."

Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s have agreed to carry out a review of the spot after the issue was flagged up.

Head of property communications David Mills said: "We have not received any complaints about the crossing. However we take the safety of our customers seriously and will carry out a review to identify any issues."