New toucan crossing will '˜benefit' school

TransportNI is currently in the process of installing traffic lights outside St. Patrick's P.S., Pennyburn.

A toucan crossing can be used by both pedestrians and cyclists.

“TransportNI is providing a toucan crossing on the Racecourse Road close to the entrance to the Collon Lane as part of the cycle track infrastructure,” said a TransportNI spokesperson.

“The new crossing point will also benefit the nearby St Patrick’s Primary School. Work is expected to be completed by the end of April.”

Caoimhe Doherty’s two young children attend St. Patrick’s P.S. and she said the new crossing is long overdue.

“My heart is in my mouth every time I go down to collect the children from school.

“Some cars just motor on through without care for anyone. God love the lollipop men and women, they do their best but sometimes the cars just drive on through.

“This new crossing will be brilliant for parents and children. Hopefully it will convince motorists to slow down too,” she added.

Sinn Fein councillor, Tony Hassan, welcomed the news but called on TransportNI to install similar road crossings outside other schools.

“I commend TransportNI for what they are doing but I am calling on them to install the Safe Routes to schools programme at Hollybush P.S. and at the Ardan Road in Culmore area of the city too,” said Colr. Hassan.