A rainbow pedestrian crossing painted in Sydney to celebrate the city's famous lesbian and gay Mardi Gras is to be torn up as a dangerous road hazard, according to the government of New South Wales state. There have been vocal protests from supporters of the crossing who say it should become a permanent landmark and a symbol of the city's tolerance.



The crossing, on Oxford Street in the city's lesbian and gay precinct, was installed in February at a cost of AUD$65,000 (£45,000) to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Mardi Gras. The government agreed to a one-month trial but said the crossing must be dug up at a further cost of $30,000.



"This trial crossing was a gesture extended to Sydney's gay and lesbian community to honour the 35th anniversary of Mardi Gras," said the New South Wales roads minister, Duncan Gay. "But behaviour we have seen has set off alarm bells at the high risk of injuries and fatalities at this crossing, with more than 15 incidents in a month."



A safety audit of the crossing found people were sitting on the rainbow stripes or posing for photographs on them, mostly during the "walk" phase of the lights. The report said the behaviour witnessed on the crossing "was considered a high risk of pedestrian/vehicle related incidents". It concluded that there were "potential safety issues for road users" and suggested "improvements to eliminate or reduce these issues".



No accidents relating to the crossing were recorded during the month-long trial. A similar crossing was painted on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood in September 2012 with "no negative safety implications", the safety audit said.



Sydney's lord mayor, Clover Moore, said there was very strong support for the crossing to remain. "It's a very powerful symbol to say Sydney is an inclusive city," she said.



"I'm incredibly disappointed that we're going to have to spend $30,000 removing something that is a beautiful piece of public art and is very good for the local economy of the area."



A petition signed by 15,000 people has been collected in support of the crossing. It said: "Lesbians and gay men were beaten and bashed on Oxford Street in 1978 and homophobic violence was rife for years. To now have our flag on our street celebrates how far we have come and is a tribute to the battles we have won."



Supporters say the crossing should have the same status as one in Abbey Road, north London, made famous by the Beatles after it appeared on the cover of their 1969 album of the same name.



Sydney's Mardi Gras is one of the biggest gay and lesbian celebrations in the world, attracting 400,000 people each year.



The roads minister, Duncan Gay, said he was happy to work with the City of Sydney council on an "alternative permanent rainbow attraction", just not on the road.



The crossing will be dug up on 10 April.