Auckland Transport is being told to scrap the actors and start acting on pedestrian safety.

The council agency is under fire for employing actors fully immersed in green Lycra to walk with pedestrians at Queen Street and Karangahape Road intersections.

It hopes to reduce crashes by making pedestrians more alert when they're crossing the street.

But Jon Reeves from the Campaign of Better Transport says ratepayer money could have been much better spent.

"Suburban streets in Mangere which are notoriously dangerous could use a pedestrian crossing."

An Auckland Council report says Queen Street and Karangahape Road have high pedestrian crash statistics despite having sufficient crossing.

It says "pedestrians are most often distracted by daydreaming, food, mobile phones and just a lack of focus on the danger".

It goes on to say "the campaign will inform pedestrians that they need to focus when they cross the road".

The report says the so-called Urban Walkers will be "dressed suitably" to " engage with pedestrians and provide helpful advice".

But the mascots haven't gone down well as commuters face criticism of major public transport delays and lower spending on rail and footpaths in west Auckland.

Jon Reeves says it's bad form.

"It's kind of funny they're trying to educate pedestrians, when it's actually motorists which cause a lot of the accidents."

Reduce pedestrian accidents. Spot the green man helping pedestrians to safely cross inner city roads. pic.twitter.com/8Jn17pnD1T

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) June 29, 2015

@geogoose @AklTransport How about a red man helping drivers stop at red lights?

— Lindsay (@LinzLinz44) June 29, 2015