Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that work is set to start a £50,000 scheme to upgrade two pedestrian crossings in Ballymena.

Work will begin at North Road and Linenhall Street in Ballymena to upgrade the existing crossings to Pedestrian User Friendly Intelligent (Puffin) Crossing on Monday 29 July. Work is expected to be completed within two weeks.

The most significant differences between Puffin and Pelican crossings are that Puffins have the request button beside the pedestrian and there are no flashing amber signals for pedestrians. Drivers are held at a red signal until pedestrians have completed their crossing.

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Mr Kennedy said: "These new Puffins will deliver enhanced pedestrian safety and traffic flow features.

"Puffin Crossings are safer for pedestrians at some locations. They are of particular benefit to more vulnerable road users such as children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

"One of the many benefits of Puffin Crossings is that the time provided for pedestrians to cross the road is managed using sensors that detect people still on the crossing.

"Drivers will also benefit. Should a pedestrian push the button and move away, the demand for a traffic light change is cancelled, so reducing driver delays."

The route across North Road and Linenhall Street is on a busy pedestrian desire line from the Clonavin area to Ballymena town centre as well as being a route from the bus and rail stations on the Galgorm Road.

(CD/JP)