The pedestrian crossing is designed to provide a safe area for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users to cross the street. It is vital that you are aware of the rules and importance of pedestrian crossings. According to the statistics of the Department of Transport, there were 470 pedestrian fatalities in 2017, and 23,805 pedestrian casualties.
Many people study pedestrian crossings while preparing for the driving test. There is a lot of information to learn, and it’s easy to forget about pedestrian crossings once you start driving.
We’ve looked at the main Different Types Of Pedestrian Crossings to make sure that you are well informed.
Different types pedestrian crossings
Zebra Crossing
The distinctive black and white stripes (like zebras) that form a crossing across the road make it easy to identify. On either side of a road, yellow Belisha beacons flash in order to mark the path. As you approach a zebra crossing, white zigzags will appear on the road. In this area, you should not park or overtake.
Zebra crossings should not be used on roads with speeds higher than 35mph. They are therefore only recommended in small towns and villages where speed limits are 30mph.
Tips for drivers crossing zebra crossings
Pedestrians have priority at all times
Zebra crossings do not have traffic lights, so approach them with caution and keep an eye out for any pedestrians that may be about to cross.
If you see a pedestrian waiting at the side to cross the street, slow down. Prepare to stop and let them pass.
You should always stop before the white dotted line.
Failure to give way to pedestrians on a Zebra Crossing is a criminal offense and could result in points being added to your license.
Pelican Crossing
Pelican crossings can be found in areas with high population density, where traffic speeds are above 35mph and where pedestrians face a higher risk. Pelican crossings are equipped with traffic lights that control the flow of traffic.
Pelican stands for Pedestrian Controlled Crossing. This is what a pelican cross does. A pedestrian presses a button to trigger the traffic light to change from green to yellow to stop the traffic. When the traffic light is red, a signal on the other side of the road signals that it’s safe to cross. It is often accompanied by beeping sounds or tactile rotating knobs under the push button, which indicate to visually impaired people that it is safe for them to cross.
Tips for drivers crossing pelican crossings
Drivers should check to see if pedestrians are waiting on either side of the road to cross a pelican crossing. Drivers should be cautious and prepared to stop at the red traffic light if there are pedestrians waiting to cross.
The traffic light at a crossing with pelicans should be remembered by drivers.
Red Light – stop behind the solid line of white. If you cross this line, your license could be penalized and fined. Many traffic signals are equipped with cameras that monitor this.
Amber Light – Prepare to Stop. You can only drive through an amber signal if you’ve already crossed the white stop line.
Flashing Amber Light – Pelican crossings is the only place you will see flashing amber light , which indicates that the green signal is approaching. You should wait until the pedestrian has safely crossed the intersection. If the light is flashing, you can proceed.
Green Light– Go! It is important to make sure that a pedestrian did not just step out onto the crossing.
Puffin Crossing
The puffin crossing is also known as Pedestrian-Friendly Intelligent Crossing. A puffin crossing is similar to a pelican cross. A puffin crossing, unlike pelican crosses, is equipped with smart sensors that monitor if the crossing is open or not and switch the lights accordingly. This allows traffic to flow more freely.
This signal is placed next to pedestrians, on the side facing the approaching traffic. The idea is to encourage pedestrians to keep an eye on approaching traffic and not cross when it’s unsafe.
Advice for drivers at puffin crossings
As you approach a crossing with puffins, be ready to stop in case a pedestrian presses a button.
At a puffin cross, there is no amber flashing light. It is safe to proceed only when the traffic signal turns green.
Be aware of pedestrians crossing the road at an odd angle. This may not trigger the sensors.
Toucan Crossing
Toucan crossings are similar to puffin crossings, but they have been designed specifically for pedestrians and bicyclists to be able cross together.
They are therefore a little wider than the majority of puffin crossings. There’s usually also a cyclist and a pedestrian on the signal.
Toucan crossings can be found near parks and areas with lots of bike lanes.
Tips for drivers crossing toucan crossings
The same rules are applicable for crossings with toucans and puffins.
Traffic lights turn green when sensors determine that the crossing has been cleared.
Keep an eye out for pedestrians as well as cyclists.
Pegasus Crossing
Pegasus crossings are also called equestrian crossings. The crossing is designed to allow pedestrians and horses to safely cross the road together. They are usually only located near horse training or racecourses.
The pegasus crossing has an extra button that is raised 2m higher than the standard button. This means horse riders do not need to dismount in order to use it. It works the same as a toucan cross, with sensors that detect when the crossing has cleared and signal for the light change to green. Pegasus crossings do not have flashing amber lights like toucan crossings.
Tips for drivers crossing pegasus crossings
The same approach should be taken when crossing a pegasus as you would if crossing a toucan.
You should be extra careful when approaching or leaving the crossing. Keep engine revs down and your movements smooth so as not to startle any horses.
You should also leave enough space between your vehicle and the crossing to allow horse riders to cross safely.
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