Menu
01/09/2021
Infrastructure Minister Welcomes Completion Of School Safety Improvements
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has welcomed the completion of a scheme to provide enhanced crossing facilities and improve road safety on Holywood Road, Belfast.
The Minister met with the pupils and staff from Mitchell House Special School to view the upgraded PUFFIN crossing which is used regularly by the school community.
Minister Mallon said: "I am committed to ensuring that our infrastructure is inclusive for all our citizens so I am really pleased to see the completion of this upgrade to the PUFFIN crossing on this busy stretch of road in Belfast. The crossing will improve road safety for pedestrians and in particular vulnerable road users such as children, the elderly and those with a disability.
"I was delighted to meet some of the pupils and staff from Mitchell House School and was really heartened by the positive feedback on the real difference this is making to them. The pupils will now have more time to safely cross the road and I hope that this brings them a greater sense of confidence and provides reassurance to them, their parents and school staff.
"The location is a popular crossing point, with other schools and shops nearby so I am confident it will be welcome news for the local community and visitors alike."
Key features associated with PUFFIN crossings are that they do not have a flashing amber signal for drivers who 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. This is of particular benefit for vulnerable road users such as the elderly and those with a disability as it will allow more time for them to cross the road.
The Minister met with the pupils and staff from Mitchell House Special School to view the upgraded PUFFIN crossing which is used regularly by the school community.
Minister Mallon said: "I am committed to ensuring that our infrastructure is inclusive for all our citizens so I am really pleased to see the completion of this upgrade to the PUFFIN crossing on this busy stretch of road in Belfast. The crossing will improve road safety for pedestrians and in particular vulnerable road users such as children, the elderly and those with a disability.
"I was delighted to meet some of the pupils and staff from Mitchell House School and was really heartened by the positive feedback on the real difference this is making to them. The pupils will now have more time to safely cross the road and I hope that this brings them a greater sense of confidence and provides reassurance to them, their parents and school staff.
"The location is a popular crossing point, with other schools and shops nearby so I am confident it will be welcome news for the local community and visitors alike."
Key features associated with PUFFIN crossings are that they do not have a flashing amber signal for drivers who 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. This is of particular benefit for vulnerable road users such as the elderly and those with a disability as it will allow more time for them to cross the road.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
19 September 2018
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
20 September 2018
Number Of Roads Remain Closed Following Storm Ali
A number of roads remain closed across Northern Ireland following the damage caused by Storm Ali. The following roads are still closed, however the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is working to clear the obstructions along with its multiagency partners.
Number Of Roads Remain Closed Following Storm Ali
A number of roads remain closed across Northern Ireland following the damage caused by Storm Ali. The following roads are still closed, however the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is working to clear the obstructions along with its multiagency partners.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
16 January 2014
£55,000 Toucan Puffin Crossing Completed In Dundonald
A £55,000 pedestrian and cycle toucan puffin crossing has been completed on East Link Road, Dundonald. The Department for Regional Development said the decision to provide the crossing was based upon "criteria relating to the number of pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road and the volume of vehicles using it".
£55,000 Toucan Puffin Crossing Completed In Dundonald
A £55,000 pedestrian and cycle toucan puffin crossing has been completed on East Link Road, Dundonald. The Department for Regional Development said the decision to provide the crossing was based upon "criteria relating to the number of pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road and the volume of vehicles using it".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
