There are several types of light-controlled pedestrian crossings. These include Pelican Crossings, Puffin Crossings, and Toucan Crossings. Each one operates differently and can be useful depending on the location and time of day. Learn more about these pedestrian crossings in this article.
What are Light Controlled Pedestrian Crossings
A Light Controlled Pedestrian Crossing is a type of traffic light that uses stop signals in order to allow pedestrians to cross the road. They are similar to zebra crossings in that pedestrians can cross there, however, they require pedestrians to wait for a prompt from a control panel as opposed to crossing when the traffic yields. The light will turn red and pedestrians can cross when they see the green signal. However, pedestrians approaching these intersections should wait for the traffic lights to turn red.
Light Controlled Pedestrian Crossing designs include symbols, red, amber and green traffic lights. Most crossings also use zigzag lines to mark approaches. These are designed as keep clear markings, meaning you cannot park your car on these markings at any time. This is to prevent obscuring pedestrians’ and drivers’ views of one another.
Pelican Crossing
A pelican crossing at a busy junction.
A light-controlled pedestrian crossing is a safe way to cross a road without having to worry about getting hit by a car. The lights on these types of crossings have a countdown timer that allows pedestrians to know when the lights will change. By knowing this, they are more likely to take less risk when crossing. Pelican Crossings are one example of this type of pedestrian crossing. They are located midblock along major streets and are marked by road markings. Pedestrians simply push a button to activate the first stage of the pedestrian crossing, and then they walk a short distance to activate the second signal.
When crossing a street at a light-controlled pedestrian crossing, drivers need to stop at the crossing. The flashing amber light signals that they must wait for any pedestrians already on the crossing. Drivers must stop at the lights when they are turning red but could continue if they’ve crossed the stop line or stopping would be dangerous. So pedestrians should wait for the green crossing symbol in order to cross safely. After a predetermined amount of time, the pedestrian’s light will turn green, and it will then start to flash, as the amber light on the traffic light continues to flash.
Puffin Crossing
The Puffin Crossing is a type of light-controlled pedestrian crossing where pedestrians cross the road in front of a traffic light. Unlike conventional pedestrian crossings, the Puffin has additional sensors to monitor approaching vehicles. As a result, the Puffin will wait for a vehicle to stop before showing the green crossing symbol for pedestrians, reducing the likelihood of a collision. This system also helps pedestrians to cross the road safely and quickly.
When using a Puffin Crossing, pedestrians must push a button and wait for the green person to appear. This style of pedestrian crossing is more comfortable for pedestrians and cyclists than other types.
Toucan Crossing
Toucan Crossing
The Toucan Crossing is a type of light-controlled pedestrian crossing that is designed to allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross safely. This type of crossing features a yellow box with a red cycle symbol in it and a green walking man. The lights will automatically turn green when cyclists or pedestrians have completed the crossing. Unlike other types of light controlled pedestrian crossings, the Toucan Crossing is not regulated by pre-set intervals. It is also designed to allow cyclists to cross without dismounting. A Toucan Crossing is similar to a Puffin Crossing but is used for cyclists. Drivers should treat it as they would any other signal-controlled crossing.
The Toucan Crossing is similar to the Pelican crossing, but is 4 metres wide. Both types use sensors to determine when it is safe for cyclists or pedestrians to cross. Pedestrians should always look towards the direction of approaching traffic while using the Toucan Crossing. The yellow and red lights will be clearly visible to drivers and cyclists.
Light controlled vs Zebra Crossings
When deciding to use a pedestrian crossing, it’s important to remember that both Light controlled and Zebra crossings have their advantages and disadvantages. The main difference is that the Zebra pedestrian crossing lacks a traffic light, so pedestrians have to make a decision without the aid of a traffic signal. Drivers should be careful, and obey all traffic laws, and pedestrians should be given the right of way.
Learning how to drive can be difficult, especially when it comes to learning the various types of pedestrian crossings. Most driving lessons will teach learners about the three main types: toucan crossings, puffin crossings, and pelican crossings. It is important for drivers new or experienced to be aware of these variations in order to keep pedestrians safe. The amber followed by a red light warns motorists that pedestrians are about to cross. These crossings are usually located in high-traffic areas.
How to deal with pedestrian crossings on your driving lessons
It is important to deal with pedestrian crossings safely and anticipate them well in advance, as reacting to them could make them potentially very dangerous.
Firstly, identify the crossings early. You may see a sign on approach. You should also be able to see the traffic lights and zigzags from a distance.
Secondly, check your mirrors, this will help you to know how you will need to respond depending on the drivers that are following you; e.g. if they are following too closely, then you could start to brake even earlier than you might have done.
Thirdly, Check both sides of the pedestrian crossing as you approach. This will help you to get ready in advance. For example, if a pedestrian is waiting at the crossing, the chances are the lights will begin to change to red. However, remember that even if there is no one at the crossing, the lights could still change if, say, someone has pressed the button and walked off.
And finally, be ready to stop. Pedestrian crossing lights turning to red shouldn’t be a surprise. We can anticipate them well in advance. Just be sure to follow the tips outlined here and remember to be sure the crossing is clear before you proceed.
