Pedestrian Crossings

Pedestrian Crossings

When approaching a pedestrian crossing, start using the MSM routine as early as possible. 

Mirrors: As with any hazard, it is important to know what is around you before taking action. 

Signal: Consider what messages you are sending out. If you brake, who will see your brake lights? How early should this signal be given to ensure it is effective?

Manoeuvre: Start slowing down in plenty of time. It's better to be a little slow and ready for anything, than to maintain your speed and then have to make a snap decision or resort to sudden or firm braking.

Plan your approach to the crossing and try to anticipate the actions of others. Be especially careful if your view of the junction is blocked by other vehicles.


Be prepared to give way to pedestrians wishing to cross from either side of the road. You must give way to pedestrians who are on the crossing. Look for any signs that a pedestrian might be about to cross and prepare to give way. Pedestrians may turn and step onto the crossing with little or no warning.


You must wait until all pedestrians have left the crossing before continuing.


For zebra crossings, the presence of an island divides the crossing into two separate crossings. This means you do not have to wait for a pedestrian who is on the other side of the island. However, if they are walking towards your side of the road, you should anticipate that they intend to continue walking in front of you.

Pelican Crossings

Pelican Crossing

Be prepared for the lights to change to amber, even if they are currently green. Look for pedestrians around the crossing, especially anyone who might be reaching out to press the button. 


An amber light means you must stop if it is safe to do so. Red means you must stop.


A flashing amber light means you may proceed if it is safe to do so and the crossing is clear. Make sure there are no pedestrians on the crossing before you proceed at the flashing amber phase.


For pelican crossings, the presence of an island does not divide the crossing into two separate crossings. However if a pelican crossing is staggered either side of an island, it does become two separate crossings.

Puffin Crossings

puffinbutton

From a motorist's point of view, puffin crossings are very similar to pelican crossings. The major difference is that there is no flashing amber phase in the light sequence. When the red light is showing, the crossing will use its sensors to determine when there are no more pedestrians on the road. It will then show a continuous amber light (prepare to move off), followed a few seconds later by a green light.


As with pelican crossings, a puffin crossing with an island should be treated as a single crossing, except where the crossing is staggered either side of the island.

Toucan Crossings

toucan button

A toucan crossing works in the same way as a puffin crossing. The main difference is that the crossing is wider as it is intended for use by cyclists as well as pedestrians (two can cross). There is usually an extra control panel situated so the button can be easily pressed by cyclists.


Pegasus or equestrian crossings (either name can be used) also work in the same way as puffin crossings. These crossings are also wider than normal, and often feature a contained area for horses and their riders to wait. An extra control panel is situated two metres above ground level (and away from the edge of the road) so that riders can easily press the button without having to dismount.


Note: although toucan and pegasus/equestrian crossings are intended to work the same way as puffin crossings (Highway Code, rule 199), there are cases in which these crossings can be found using the same light sequence as pelican crossings.
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