Mallon announces new PUFFIN Crossing Facility for Annalong
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced plans for a new pedestrian PUFFIN crossing in Annalong.
Works on the £40,000 scheme on the A2 Kilkeel Road, Annalong will commence in the New Year.
Minister Mallon said:
“I am committed to ensuring our infrastructure is inclusive for all our citizens. I am pleased to announce that my Department will be delivering a new PUFFIN Crossing for Annalong. The crossing, which will be located in front of Annalong Primary School close to Ulster Avenue, will improve road safety for pedestrians and in particular vulnerable road users such as children, the elderly, those who are visually impaired and those with a disability.
“This is a busy road which carries up to 6,000 vehicles per day and the introduction of a PUFFIN crossing at this popular crossing point will help everyone to access local shops and services safely.
“I am confident that the new crossing will be welcome news for the community and visitors alike.”
Notes to editors:
- 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 crossings are located where there is the greatest demand.
- PUFFIN stands for Pedestrian User Friendly Intelligent Crossing. 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.
- Drivers also benefit from PUFFINS when a pedestrian pushes the push button and then moves away, the demand for the green man is cancelled so drivers do not experience an unnecessary delay.
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
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