PROPOSALS have been put forward to replace a pedestrian crossing near to a school in Botley.

Oxfordshire County Council want to introduce a new Puffin crossing on the B4044 West Way, 20 metres north east of its junction with Poplar Road, and redesign the road layout.

This would replace the existing pelican crossing and pedestrians would be able to cross both lanes of traffic at once rather than having a 'pen' in the middle of the road.

Sensors will be able to detect whether any pedestrians are on the crossing and control the colour of the lights accordingly.

A consultation on the proposals is open until February 16.

Vale of White Horse District Councillor for Botley and Sunningwell Emily Smith welcomed the proposed changes as 'positive'.

She added: "There are concerns the pavement on the Elms Road side of West Way is not being made wider.

"The pavement gets very crowded during school pick up and drop off times and some parents think it should be made wider as part of this redesign to make it safer for children waiting to cross."

To respond to the consultation complete the online questionnaire on the Oxfordshire County Council website or write to the council quoting the reference CM/12.6.311.

The council will consider objections and representations and any unresolved objections will be reported to the cabinet.