The Department for Transport wants ‘puffins’ to become the standard signalised pedestrian crossing, but cautioned local highway authorities on the need to educate residents on their use. Fresh guidance on the design and operation has been drawn up following anecdotal evidence that the public does not find them as easy to use as other crossing facilities (Surveyor, 20 March 2003). The County Surveyors’ Society-Department for Transport document acknowledges that ‘many people do not fully appreciate how they work,’ and advises councils introducing them for the first time to run education campaigns. While the CSS-DfT line is that ‘accidents should reduce as a result of the introduction of puffins,’ the guidance points out the potential pitfalls – how pedestrians could be left stranded on the road if detectors do not pick up that they are there, and the pedestrian phase is not extended. ‘Care should be taken to ensure sufficient detectors are used, and detailed information should be sought from suppliers on the size of the detection zone,’ the guide advises. But, in general, the benefits of puffins are highlighted. Their potential to aid councils in meeting their duty to keep traffic moving by switching to the vehicle phase when pedestrians are not present, and to make it easier for pedestrians – particularly those with sight impairments – to see the signal to cross, are both stressed. The document will be officially launched at an Institution of Highways and Transportation conference later this year.