A PEDESTRIAN crossing is set to be installed on a busy road in Colchester in a bid to improve safety for schoolchildren.

Essex County Council has released designs for a new puffin crossing on the A134, Northern Approach Road.

The traffic light controlled crossing would be installed at an existing crossing point, near to the road's junction with Wallace Road.

A report states: "The existing uncontrolled crossing is used heavily by parents and schoolchildren during peak periods travelling between the primary school on the eastern side of the A134 to the residential area on the western side.

"As the Northern Approach Road is a strategic route within Colchester and is subject to a 40mph speed limit, it is used heavily by vehicles of different types.

"A controlled crossing allows pedestrians of different ages and abilities to cross with ease without having to find gaps in the traffic to cross.

"The new puffin crossing will be located in the same position as the current crossing as site observations show that this is the location used most by pedestrians to cross the road.

"The traffic signals will incorporate extra low voltage LED technology and nearside pedestrian signals."

Objections to the scheme should be made by emailing TrafficRegulation.Order@essexhighways.org quoting reference TRAF/7057 by October 11.

Visit essexhighways.org/highway-schemes-and-developments/traffic-regulation-orders.