§ Mr. BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the success of the experimental puffin road crossings scheme; what was752W the cost of establishing the scheme; how these costs were met; and what plans he has to extend the puffin road crossings scheme to other areas of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleAssessments at two trial sites have shown puffin crossings to be successful in allowing more time for pedestrians to cross, particularly disabled and elderly people, without increasing delays to traffic. The Department is currently funding installations at 25 sites in England at an average cost of 8,800 each. They will begin to come into operation this spring. Further installations are expected later in the year and early next year. Regulations will be laid to enable local authorities to install puffins.