New green coloured markings painted on one of Shrewsbury’s busiest roundabouts have left some people scratching their heads – with one driving instructor claiming they are nowhere to be seen in the Highway Code.

Rob Gwilliams, a driving instructor for nearly eight years, said he had been bamboozled by a question from a student about the new markings at crossing points at the Heathgates Island.

They have been installed as part of a major improvement scheme for the roundabout by Shropshire Council.

Mr Gwilliams, of Harlescott, Shrewsbury, said: “I’ve noticed that some areas of the road have been painted green, as has been done at the roundabout near Priory school, on Roman Road.

“My pupils have been asking what the green area is and, unfortunately, I have no idea, which I find a little embarrassing. I have looked in the latest Highway Code, and there doesn’t appear to be anything about green marked areas.

“I am telling them it must be a council thing as there are no road markings or signs indicating what it is for.”

Richard Harman, engineer at Shropshire Council, today said the green surfacing laid at pedestrian and cycle crossing points was merely intended to “highlight” the crossing points to drivers.

He said: “Both of these sites have been improved as part of our Cycle Shrewsbury campaign with a view of making it easier and safer to cross the road.

“The idea behind the coloured surface originated from the ‘courtesy’ crossing points in the town centre, which are defined by a contrasting surface.

“The green colour was chosen as it is visible but not intrusive and does not assign a priority. By highlighting the crossing points, we believe drivers show more consideration for people crossing when approaching the junctions.

“These surfaces are not mentioned in the Highway Code, nor do they hold any legal weighting.”