MOTORISTS are being warned of possible delays as work gets under way on a road safety initiative.

The pelican crossing in Northallerton's High Street is to be replaced by a puffin crossing.

Work will start on Sunday October 17, and the High Street will be closed each evening, between the town hall and Zetland Street.

A diversion will be signed, and the work is expected to take a week.

Puffin crossings incorporate vehicle and pedestrian detectors to minimize waiting time.

Tactile paving will be installed to help blind and partially-sighted people.

The county's executive member for the environment, John Fort, said: "We want to reduce any inconvenience to pedestrians and businesses whilst the puffin crossing is being installed, so work is being carried out during evenings."