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How To Use Pedestrian Crossings
When it comes to learning how to use pedestrian crossings, it is important to understand what they are, where they are, how we identify them, and what we need to know about them to be able to deal with them safely. Here are some common questions to how to use pedestrian crossings:
How To Use Pedestrian Crossings| FAQs
What is a pedestrian crossing?
A pedestrian crossing is a designated area where pedestrians can safely cross the road. It is important for drivers to learn how to use pedestrian crossings.
What types of crossing are there?
We have plenty of crossings. The main types include: Pelican crossing, Zebra crossing, Toucan crossing, and Puffin crossing.
What is the difference between a controlled crossing and an un-controlled crossing?
The main difference is that controlled crossings are controlled by traffic lights, and un-controlled crossings are not controlled by traffic lights. It is important to understand the difference between controlled crossings, and un-controlled crossings, when learning how to use pedestrian crossings.
What are the differences between the different types of crossings?
Here is a break down of the main points of each pedestrian crossing:
Pelican crossing: When learning how to use pedestrian crossings, it is important to be able to identify the different types of crossings. A pelican crossing is a controlled pedestrian crossing. They are found in towns, cities and urban areas. They tend to be present in congested areas. The special part of this crossing is the use of the flashing amber stage in the light sequence. When it flashes amber- the driver is expected to continue to give-way to pedestrians crossing the road. Once the pedestrians have finished crossing the road, the driver is expected to make progress and continue their journey. It is important to continue and not wait for the green light on the traffic lights. This crossing is traffic friendly, and allows the flow of traffic as opposed to standard traffic lights set on a timer. The flashing amber phase encourages progress once pedestrians have crossed the road.
Toucan Crossing: A Toucan crossing is a pedestrian crossing that is designed for pedestrians and cyclists. As it is controlled by traffic lights, cyclists and pedestrians can easily cross the road together. Toucan means that two-types can cross the road. The pedestrian crossing uses normal traffic light sequences. This crossing can be identified by road signs, road markings and yellow boxes on the side of the traffic lights. Sometimes, there may be an associated cycle lane.
Puffin Crossing: A Puffin crossing is a ‘Pedestrian User Friendly Intelligent Crossing’. It is important to learn how to use pedestrian crossings, especially the Puffin crossing. On top of the traffic lights is a camera. This camera omits an infra red beam onto the crossing. The beam senses the movement of pedestrians crossing the road. If there are a lot of pedestrians crossing the road- the traffic light sequence holds the traffic on a red light for longer. However- if the flow of pedestrians have crossed the road already- then, the traffic light sequence returns to a green light sooner. This helps ease traffic flow in busy town centres and urban areas. This type of crossing usually comes with railings to separate pedestrians from the road-side, as to not cause danger. Other standard features include: road signs, and road markings on the approach.
Zebra Crossing: A zebra crossing is a place for pedestrians to cross the road, usually located in urban/residential areas. However- this type of crossing is not controlled by traffic lights. Two flashing beacons pre-warn drivers of the crossing, and the classic black and white ‘Zebra’ type road markings distinguish this type of crossing to on-coming road users. Pedestrians have to give-way to traffic, and only take priority once the road is clear. Drivers, should not continue until the pedestrian has finished crossing the road and are safely on the other side of the road. Sometimes, Zebra crossings are staggered Zebra crossings. This means, there is a central island. This is used to separate the crossing- usually due to being part of a more condensed area. Drivers- should treat the crossings separately.
A zebra crossing can be identified by road signs and markings, two flashing beacons and the classic black and white striped road markings. Learning how to use pedestrian crossings is very important, the driver has responsibility to other road-users safety.
Pegasus Crossing: A Pegasus Crossing, is a special crossing designed for horses. It works on a standard controlled light sequence, and can be found on the out-skirts of racecourses, and training areas. This type of crossing also allows pedestrians to cross. This type of crossing is particularly popular in Scotland. Sometimes this type of crossing comes with a pedestrian refuge (separate island) Learning how to use pedestrian crossings is very important.
School Crossing (lollipop Lady) A school crossing is often operated by a lollipop lady holding a school crossing STOP sign. Drivers- should treat this type of crossing similar to that of the Zebra crossing. This type of crossing tends to be operated by nearby schools.
How To Use Pedestrian Crossings- Drivers Guide
Whichever pedestrian crossing the driver encounters- learning how to use pedestrian crossings is very important. As a sensible driver- all rules should be followed, respected and adhered to. These rules are as follows:
- Do NOT park, stop or overtake in the zone of the Zig Zags
- If the road is clear, continue forward on a flashing amber light on a Pelican crossing
- Never wave pedestrians across the road
- Do not advance further than the white lines at traffic light controlled crossings
- Do NOT stop on a crossing in traffic
- Do NOT continue until the pedestrians have completely crossed the road and are safely back on the other side
- Give-way to pedestrians on a Zebra crossing
- Give-way to pedestrians waiting to cross at a Zebra crossing. Although, the pedestrian doesn’t have priority if they are still on the pavement, the driver should practice ‘safe’ driving, and give-way incase they step into the road.
