The new A120 bypass boasts an unusual crossing -a Pegasus crossing or equestrian crossing that has high buttons for horse riders, named after the mythical winged horse, Pegasus.

The crossing also has a separate holding area to segregate equestrians and pedestrians and cyclists, a wooden safety fence and a wider crossing so that horses are further away from cars, because some horses can become excited while waiting to cross.

Braintree diving instructor trainer Tony Byiast contacted the Braintree and Witham Times about the crossing, because he said there is no reference to it in the Highway Code..

Mr Byiast, of t Mary's Road, Braintree, said: "Road crossings for horses and riders are made much safer by the use of this type of light-controlled crossing.

"As a motorist approaches the crossing he or she should look out for horses waiting to cross and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross. He or she must give way when the lights are red or someone has moved onto the crossing, and while waiting should not harass the horses and riders by revving the engine, playing loud music, or edging forwards as this may startle the horses."

A spokesman for Essex County Council highways department said that the crossing had been installed so that riders could continue to use the bridle paths at Great Notley Country Park. The road crossing alternative is a subway, where horses would not fit.

He said: "It was an existing crossing point. There are some stables near the Discovery Centre, and while it's not a bridleway as such, we did this in response to public consultation."

Councillor Norman Hume, cabinet member for highways and transportation said: "We have introduced the Pegasus Crossing over the new bypass at Great Notley because of demand from horse riders for access to the Country Park.

"The crossing provides an extra high button for riders to activate it as well as one lower down for pedestrians. This improves on the previous crossing both in terms of safety and accessibilty and the response to the new-style crossing has already been very positive."