New Puffin crossings welcomed in Lisburn

Puffin crossings recently installed in various locations have been praised by local man Jim Gray, a well known Driving Instructor who recently retired after 50 years.

Mr Gray says the crossings were “greatly needed” but believes people need to know more about them.

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: “Puffin crossings improve road safety for pedestrians, particularly vulnerable road users such as, school children, the elderly and disabled people.”

“My Department is committed to improving both road safety and the strategic management of traffic on the road network. Puffin crossings offer both enhanced safety and traffic flow features.”

A DRD spokesperson commented: “The decision to provide puffin crossings is based upon criteria relating to the number of pedestrians crossing the road and the volume of vehicles using it. This is to ensure that a crossing located where there is the greatest demand.”

The major differences between Puffins and Pelicans are that Puffins have the red/green man on the push button unit beside the pedestrian; there is no flashing amber signal to drivers – they are held on a red signal until pedestrians have completed their crossing and the time for pedestrians to cross the road can be extended by sensors which detect people still on the crossing.