Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has revealed work is set to begin on two £25,000 schemes to provide pedestrian crossings at Hillhead Road, Stewartstown and Orritor Street, Cookstown.

Work will begin at Main Street, Stewartstown, on Tuesday 1 October and at Orritor Street, Cookstown on Monday 7 October to provide new Pedestrian User Friendly Intelligent (PUFFIN) crossings. Both are expected to be completed within one week.

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."

(CD/JP)