THE County Councillor for Crediton says he is pleased that Devon County Council has approved the installation of a pedestrian crossing near the Tesco roundabout at Wellparks, Crediton.

Devon County Council’s Highways and Transport Committee (HATOC) committee for Mid Devon has approved plans for a Puffin crossing where the current crossing is located near the bus stop on the A377.

Cllr Nick Way says he hopes it will not be too long before it is installed.

A Puffin crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing which features a pair of poles, each with a standard set of traffic lights facing oncoming traffic, a push button and two illuminated, coloured pictograms facing the pedestrian from across the road.

These are a red, stationary person to indicate that it is not safe to cross, and a green, walking person to indicate that it is safe to do so.

Puffin crossings have timing sequences controlled by sensors mounted on the lights rather than a timer.

Puffin crossings also provide non-visual indication that it is safe to cross, such as a beep, in order to assist visually impaired pedestrians.

Mr Way said that he believed the crossing might be rather close to the roundabout but said he has been assured that there will be very little traffic hold-ups when the crossing has been installed.

Mr Way did express concerns about the route for the pedestrians.

He explained: “After using the crossing and going down the steps the pedestrians can either turn left and walk around The Red Deer or cross traffic and through parked cars to reach the exit through the fence to gain access to the new surgery and Crediton Railway Station.

“However, Devon County Council will put a sign up to direct those pedestrians needing these facilities around the pavement,” Mr Way explained.

COMMERCIAL ROAD

Mr Way is also asking Devon County Council to consider a Puffin crossing in Commercial Road to enable safe access for users of the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre and for the use of local residents.

He explained: “Encouraging people to walk is a good thing.

“Regardless of whether the Lidl store plan is ever approved, there needs to be a pedestrian crossing in Commercial Road.

“It is important here because the residents using the Leisure Centre and from Cromwells Meadow and Willow Walk areas need to cross the road safely.

“Children and parents cross here to get to and from Crediton’s schools.”