A NEW toucan crossing, mini roundabout and slower speed limits have been installed on a busy Shrewsbury road.

Intended to make the school route safer for children and their parents, the safety measures have been installed on the A488 Radbrook Road/Hanwood Road in the town.

Work was completed at the end of September and will be officially opened by Radbrook Cllr Keith Roberts on Wednesday.

The toucan crossing links to well-used walking and cycling routes between residential areas, schools, Radbrook Green, Shelton Hospital and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Cllr Roberts said: “I am very pleased to have this crossing facility in this location, and the lower speed limit.

“It should make it a safer area for pedestrians and motorists.”

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for transport, said: “I welcome the introduction of a safer crossing and lower speed limit.

“Facilities like this help to make Shrewsbury a more attractive and safer place for everyday journeys by foot and by bike.”

Funding for the scheme came from the council’s cycle Shrewsbury grant and the local sustainable transport fund, both from the Department for Transport, and also, from Shropshire Council’s safer routes to school budget.

This opening is one of a number of events taking place during Love Your Bike Month , Shropshire Council’s campaign to get more people cycling on their regular local journeys.