Three eye catching new pedestrian crossings have been installed in Dumbarton as part of a project to encourage active travel.

The colourful thermoplastic design, located outside Dumbarton Central railway station, Dumbarton Academy and Dalreoch Primary School, are the first of their kind in Scotland.

A fourth is due to be installed at Bankend Road in the town.

They have been introduced by West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) as a temporary measure as part of a wider Sustrans 'Spaces for People' project, which aimed to make walking and cycling for essential journeys and exercise safer and more attractive to residents during Covid-19.

As well as the crossings, a range of other interventions have been introduced to encourage active travel including safe cycling to school, bike parking and repair stations.

Councillor Iain McLaren, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development at WDC, said: “We are excited to be the first in Scotland to install these new colourful crossings and I know the bold and bright designs have already been popular with residents and visitors to the area.

“This is just one measure we have introduced as part of ongoing work to encourage active travel, and create a safer environment for those who are walking, cycling or wheeling.

“The addition of tool stations for any required repair, as well as plentiful bike parking, make it easier for people to make active travel their first choice for commute.”

The measures come ahead of the ambitious Connecting Dumbarton project, in partnership with Sustrans, which aims to enhance links between Dumbarton Central Station and the town centre. The proposals include improvements in and around College Street, with the introduction of a pedestrian and cycle route running between the station and Risk Street.

The project, which was subject to community consultation last year, will also enhance the setting for important listed buildings including the ‘A’ listed Central Station and ‘B’ listed Municipal Buildings, both of which lie within the Dumbarton town centre Conservation Area.

Councillor Diane Docherty, WDC's vice convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, added: “This is such a fun addition to the locations and they have been such a talking point since being installed, which is great for encouraging our residents and visitors to leave the car behind when moving around West Dunbartonshire.

“The colourful designs at the crossing mean it is safer for people who are walking, wheeling and cycling in the area and will be especially beneficial to young people who are learning to cross the road too.

“I look forward to seeing this location being transformed even further as we make progress with the Connecting Dumbarton project.”

The crossings and other measures were designed on behalf of the council by New Practice, using Sustrans Spaces for People funding.