How To Approach Pedestrian Crossings

Crossings are designed to help pedestrians cross the road. They are usually found in busier areas where it is more difficult for pedestrians to cross the road, for example in shopping areas or near roundabouts. The main types of pedestrian crossings are zebra crossings, pelican crossings, and toucan and puffin crossings.

Zebra Crossings – These are identifiable by black and white stripes across the road, zig-zag markings either side of the crossing and flashing yellow beacons on poles on both sides of the road. White give way lines run next to the crossing. This marks where drivers should stop if the crossing is being used.

Pelican Crossings – These are identifiable by traffic lights on both sides of the road, zig-zag markings either side of the crossing, studs running next to the crossing which marks the area for pedestrians to use and a stop line where drivers should stop if the crossing is being used. The traffic lights are activated when a pedestrian uses the push-button controls on it.

Puffin Crossings – These are also identifiable by traffic lights and have the same markings as pelican crossings. These are pedestrian user friendly crossings. An electronic sensor detects when a pedestrian is on the crossing and when the crossing is clear. When the crossing is clear, the electronic sensor will change the traffic light sequence and allow the traffic to flow again.

Toucan Crossings – These are also identifiable by traffic lights and have the same markings as pelican crossings. These crossings are shared by both pedestrians and cyclists and are commonly found near cycle routes.

Crossings with central reservations – If a Zebra Crossing is divided by a central reservation, each half should be treated as 2 separate crossings. This means if pedestrians are on the other side of the crossing, the driver can continue if it is safe to do so.

If a Pelican Crossing is STRAIGHT and is divided by a central reservation, each half should treated as the same crossing. This means that even if there is someone on the other side of the crossing, the driver must wait until the whole crossing is clear.

If a Pelican Crossing is STAGGERED and is divided by a central reservation, each half should treated as 2 separate crossings. This means if pedestrians are on the other side of the crossing, the driver can continue if it is safe to do so.

Traffic Light Sequence – As a driver approaching a crossing controlled by traffic lights, it is important you know the light sequence and what each colour means:

Pelican Crossings

Green – Go. (still check to ensure there is no-one on the crossing)
Amber – Stop, if is safe to do so.
Red – Stop.
Flashing Amber – Go, if the crossing is clear.
Green – Go . (still check to ensure there is no-one on the crossing)

Puffin/Toucan Crossings

Green – Go. (still check to ensure there is no-one on the crossing)
Amber – Stop, if is safe to do so.
Red – Stop.
Steady Amber and Red on together – Prepare to go.
Green – Go . (still check to ensure there is no-one on the crossing)

Approaching a crossing

1. Identify the crossing as early as possible

2. Having identified the crossing, check your mirrors, particularly your centre and right mirrors. You may need to slow down so you will need to know how close vehicles are behind and what their movements are.

3. Check the crossing itself and the footpaths either side of it.

4. Is there anybody on the crossing? Is there anybody walking towards it? Are parked cars blocking your view of the footpaths?

If the answer to the above questions are yes, you may have to slow down or even stop just before the crossing. How much brake pressure you will have to apply will depend on what speed you have to slow down to. If it is a zebra crossing you may consider giving a slowing down ‘arm signal’ to assist vehicles in front and behind you to let them know you are going to slow down. This will not be required approaching crossings with traffic lights, as other road users will be able to see the lights for themselves.

Before moving off. If you have stopped at a crossing, check the footpaths either side of the crossing. Ensure nobody else is likely to step onto the crossing. Check both outside mirrors before moving off. Ensure it is safe to move off and that you are not being passed on either side by cyclists or other vehicles. At pelican crossings, when the light is ‘flashing amber’, you may move off when the crossing is clear and the pedestrians are on the footpath. At zebra crossings, you do not have to wait until the pedestrians are on the footpath. You may move off when it is safe to do so.

If the answer to the above questions are no, you should be able to maintain your speed.

Rules

1. Never beckon a pedestrian to cross – you may inadvertently cause them to step out when it is not safe.

2. Do not park on zig-zag lines – it is illegal and makes it more difficult for the driver approaching to see if a pedestrian has stepped onto the crossing.

3. Do not overtake the leading vehicle – the leading vehicle will block your view and make it more difficult for you to see if a pedestrian is crossing.

4. Do not rev your engine when waiting at a crossing – it only intimdates pedestrians on the crossing.