The traffic lights at Forthill Street near the entrance to Dunnes Stores RMG17
IMPROVEMENTS costing approximately £16,000 has just been completed at a road traffic crossing on Forthill Street, Enniskillen.
As reported in the Fermanagh Herald during the summer, there were fears that a serious accident could be caused at the crossing, situated at the entrance to Dunnes Stores.
Reports were that pedestrians were taking, “their lives into their own hands” as motorists were also caught jumping lights at the crossing.
There were also fears for pedestrian safety at the traffic crossing on Wellington Road where already there have been accidents.
The work on Forthill Street which lasted approximately two weeks saw the Pelican crossing replaced by a Puffin type crossing.
A spokesman from Transport NI confirmed, “ All Pelican crossings and Traffic signal controlled crossing points will eventually be replaced with the Puffin type equipment as they are considered to be safer for pedestrians.”
They went on to highlight the benefits of a Puffin type crossing for both motorist and pedestrians, saying, “The sensors at a puffin crossing also control the traffic signals making sure you have enough time to cross the road safely, because there is no flashing light sequence drivers can no longer start to move until you have finished crossing, you can see the red/green man box and watch traffic approaching at the same time and partially sighted pedestrians can see the red/green more easily than a signal on the other side of the road.
“They are also better for motorists as, traffic lights change to green as soon as the crossing is clear and traffic won’t be stopped if pedestrians push the button and then change their mind and walk away from the crossing.”
The works were funded by Transport NI Local Transport and safety measures (LTSM)programme for 2015-16.
According to Transport NI upgrades on the pelican crossing situated on Wellington Road, “will be considered” when developing the 2016-17 works programme for the Fermanagh and Omagh Council area.
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