Understanding road crossings: Puffin, pelican and zebra
- Ryan Chand
Road crossings are essential for pedestrian safety, allowing people to cross from one side of the street to the other safely. Different types of road crossings exist to cater to various needs, and in the UK, three common types are puffin, pelican and zebra crossings. While they all serve the same essential purpose of allowing pedestrians to cross the road safely, each type has unique features that suit different traffic environments. In this guide, we’ll dive into each type of road crossings, explain their differences and highlight the importance of using them correctly
What is a puffin crossing?
Puffin crossings, a relatively recent addition to the UK’s pedestrian crossing network, are designed with the utmost efficiency in mind. They give priority to pedestrians while also managing traffic in a way that makes pedestrians feel secure and confident. A puffin crossing is equipped with sensors on the road and the pedestrian waiting area, which detects when people are waiting to cross or are already on the crossing.
Key features of a puffin crossing
| Pedestrian Sensors | Puffin crossings have sensors that detect when pedestrians are waiting to cross. The traffic lights only change when pedestrians are present, ensuring vehicles are not unnecessarily held at a red light. |
| Extended crossing time | The crossing time is adjusted based on how long it takes pedestrians to cross. |
| Better pedestrian safety | With sensors and adaptive timing, a puffin crossing helps reduce unnecessary delays for motorists by adapting the light timing based on real-time pedestrian activity, making it an efficient and safe option for pedestrians and drivers. |
| No flashing green man | Unlike pelican crossings the green man does not flash. It stays green for as long as necessary ensuring pedestrians have enough time to cross. |
What is a pelican crossing?
Pelican crossings were developed before the puffin crossing and are still widely used. They are an older form of pedestrian-controlled crossing that operates with traffic lights. Pelican crossings use the push button system, where pedestrians press a button to signal their intention to cross. After pressing the button, the traffic lights change to give pedestrians the green light.
Key features of a pelican crossing
| Traffic lights for pedestrians and drivers | Pelican crossings have traffic lights for pedestrians and drivers. |
| Fixed crossing time | The time for pedestrians to cross is predetermined and does not adjust. |
| Flashing green man | Once the pedestrian light turns green, it will begin to flash when time is running out for pedestrians to cross. When the light turns red, pedestrians must stop and wait. |
| No pedestrian sensors | unlike puffin crossings, a pelican crossing does not have sensors to detect pedestrians. |
Pelican crossings are an effective tool for busy roads, offering a controlled environment for pedestrians and helping prevent accidents. They work well in areas with moderate pedestrians and vehicular traffic flow.
What is a zebra crossing?
Zebra crossings, the most familiar and traditional road crossings in many countries, are designed with simplicity in mind. The main feature of a zebra crossing is the distinctive black and white striped pattern on the road that marks the pedestrian’s right of way. Unlike puffin and pelican crossings, zebra crossings don’t have traffic lights and rely entirely on drivers giving way to pedestrians, making pedestrians feel at ease.
Key features of a zebra crossing
| No traffics lights | No traffic signals exist for pedestrians or vehicles. Pedestrians step onto the crossing and wait for cars to stop. |
| Pedestrian Priority | Vehicles are legally required to stop when pedestrians are at the crossing, making it one of the safest crossings. |
| Belisha Beacons | These are yellow-coloured lights mounted on a black and white striped poles at both ends of a zebra crossing. Helping to make the crossing more noticeable especially in poor visibility conditions. |
Zebra crossings are often used in quieter areas or more minor roads where there isn’t heavy traffic. They offer a quick, easy way for pedestrians to cross without waiting for lights to change. However, pedestrians must remain vigilant and ensure vehicles stop before crossing.
Final thoughts
Puffin, pelican and zebra crossings all make road crossings safer for pedestrians, but they each have different ways of functioning; puffin crossings offer a more modern, efficient design with sensors that adjust traffic light timing based on pedestrian needs. Pelican crossings, while older, are still widely used and provide necessary beeping signals for visually impaired users. Finally, zebra crossings rely on the right of way for pedestrians and provide simplicity without the need for lights.
Understanding the differences between these road crossings is crucial for both pedestrians and drivers. It ensures safety on the road. Pedestrians should always use crossings when available and remain cautious, while drivers should be alert and aware of their responsibility to stop when pedestrians are crossing. Together, these types of crossings help make roads safer for everyone, instilling a sense of responsibility in both pedestrians and drivers.
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