Infrastructure Minister announces Toucan pedestrian crossing for High Street, Belfast

Date published: 16 February 2022

Works on the £40,000 scheme is underway and is expected to last for approximately six weeks.

Toucan crossings are a new type of controlled pedestrian crossing that differs from the traditional Pelican crossings by having:

• Red / green - person & cycle crossing indication located in the push button beside the pedestrian rather than on the opposite carriageway
• On-crossing detectors that can extend the crossing period for slower moving pedestrians and vulnerable road users
• Kerb-side detection that can cancel the demand for a crossing period should the pedestrian move off the footpath to cross in a gap in traffic, thereby reducing vehicle delays due to crossing periods that are not required
• No flashing amber signal to drivers – they are held on a steady red signal until the crossing time has elapsed

Minister Mallon said:

“I am committed to ensuring our infrastructure is inclusive for all our citizens and I am pleased to announce that my Department will be delivering a new Toucan Crossing on High Street, Belfast. The Toucan Crossing will be located close to Skipper Street and Church Lane in what is a very busy and thriving area of the city. It will improve road safety for all road users on a popular stretch of road which links one of the main shopping areas of Belfast with the Cathedral Quarter. As our daily lives begin to return to normal following the Covid-19 pandemic, I am confident that this new Toucan Crossing will be welcomed by all.”