A SCOOTER rider is urging people to get behind plans to fill in Weymouth’s quayside railway lines after they caused another crash.

The harbour railway has been blamed for multiple accidents – including a crash which critically injured policewoman Alison Palmer 22 years ago.

In October, Dorset County Council announced plans to fill in the lines and is due to launch a public consultation before making a final decision.

Adam Bows, principal transport planner, said: “We recently sent proposals for a reversible in-fill between the rails to county and district councillors and are awaiting their feedback before consulting with residents, businesses and interest groups.”

Michael Millar, of Chickerell Road, Weymouth, was riding his scooter along Custom House Quay when the wet rails caused his bike to skid off the road.

The 42-year-old said: “My wheel suddenly skipped out from under me as I was crossing the wet tramline and I ended up on the floor.

“Luckily, I wasn’t too badly injured but it was quite a shock and my bike was damaged.

“The condition of the road is quite atrocious and I’ve heard of a lot of other people who have had accidents there.”

The railway is viewed as an important piece of industrial heritage by some but has not been used for years and the grooves in the middle of the road have been labelled a hazard. Mr Millar said: “My back was sore for several weeks afterwards and I was quite bruised up. I was on painkillers for a few days.

“It was nothing serious but I can imagine it could have been much worse.

“Something should be done before someone’s seriously hurt.”

The council would use a tar and sand mix to infill the rails then cap it with a crack sealant which would stop cyclists skidding and getting their wheels stuck. The process is reversible.

A spokesman at Network Rail, which owns the tracks, said: “The only way to have trains down there again would be to have someone walking down in front of them waving a big red flag and clearing the tracks.

“Our long-term aspiration is to remove the tracks and we’re not looking to reopen the line any time soon.”

Mr Millar said: “I’m glad they’re going to do something about it.

“With the amount of health and safety nowadays you would think it would be a top priority.”

The consultation is expected to take place in the New Year.