'Obsolete' pelican crossing to be replaced in Bognor Regis

According to West Sussex County Council, the work is required because the existing 'obsolete' traffic signals, near Waterloo Square, are reaching the end of their lifespan, with replacement parts difficult to source.

The new crossing will 'utilise the latest equipment' for 'improved reliability and energy efficiency'. The scheme will cost approximately £45,000.

Improvements will include; above-ground detectors, which detect when pedestrians are present and alter the timing of the traffic signals; tactile cones on the underside of the control box and audible bleepers to help visually-impaired pedestrians; LED equipment to improve visibility for road users and keep energy and maintenance costs down and an additional pole on the southern footway to improve forward visibility for eastbound traffic.

The council said this will allow an additional traffic signals head to be aligned to improve vehicle visibility at the stopline and those exiting Waterloo Square.

Resurfacing work will also be carried out on the footway surrounding the crossing on the southern side.

A West Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the work but please bear in mind this project will lead to long-term improvements.

“If possible, road users are advised to seek alternative routes, particularly during peak periods.”

Subject to factors such as severe weather, work is scheduled to start on February 22 and is scheduled to take 'about two weeks'.

What’s the difference between a pelican and a puffin…crossing?

A puffin crossing has sensors mounted on the traffic signals to detect when the pedestrians are clear of the crossing before reverting back to green for vehicles, whereas a pelican crossing has a timer, which determines when the lights change to flashing amber lights.