Every driver in the UK must be aware of the operations of different pedestrian crossings to stay safe on the roads. Whether you are an experienced motorist or a learner, there are rules and characteristics of each type of crossing. From the traditional black and white stripes to sensor-controlled systems, these crossings are important for the safety of pedestrians.
Let’s look at the four main types of zebra, pelican, puffin and toucan crossings that you will see on British roads and what makes each one unique.
Zebra crossing: The traditional black and white stripes
The zebra crossing is the most recognisable pedestrian crossing in the UK. You will see it immediately because of its peculiar black and white striped patterns on the roads with blinking amber lights on either side.
What is unique about zebra crossings is that they do not have traffic lights. Once pedestrians are on the crossing, they have the right of way, which means drivers must stop and give way. When coming to a zebra crossing, you must slow down and be ready to stop in case someone wants to cross the road.
The zebra crossing meaning in the highway code is clear that pedestrians take priority. The zig-zag lines before the crossing show no parking or overtaking zones, which helps in maintaining clear visibility.
Pelican crossing: Push-button controlled with traffic lights
Pelican Crossing stands for a pedestrian light-controlled crossing. These crossings put pedestrians in control through a push-button system that changes the traffic lights.
Pelican crossing rules include several key features:
- Pedestrians press the button and wait until the green figure appears before crossing
- Drivers see a red light that indicates to stop
- A flashing amber phase follows, which tells drivers to proceed if the crossing is clear
- Drivers must give way to any pedestrians still on the crossing during the flashing amber phase
The pedestrian crossing lights help in managing heavy traffic, though drivers must stay alert during the flashing amber.
Puffin crossing: smart sensors for safer crossing
The puffin crossing stands for pedestrian user-friendly intelligent crossing and represents one of the smartest types of pedestrian crossings.
The key features are:
- The sensor detects pedestrians and adjusts the light timing automatically
- The lights change directly from red to green when crossing is clear
- Push button displays a red figure when pressed, then green when safe to cross
- Particularly helpful for elderly pedestrians or those needing extra crossing time
Hence, puffin crossings mean the technology monitors the crossing area constantly. You will find these at busy junctions where the priority is the safety of pedestrians, and traffic flow needs careful management.
Toucan crossing: Shared space for pedestrians and cyclists
The toucan crossing definition refers to the only UK crossing where cyclists can ride alongside pedestrians. The name cleverly comes from “tow can”, meaning to cross together. These crossings are wider than standard pedestrian crossings for the safety of both users. They use push-button controls and sensor technology similar to puffin crossings. You will typically see them on designated cycle routes, near parks, or areas with high bicycle traffic.
For drivers, the highway code pedestrian crossings rules require you to stop at red lights and watch for both pedestrians and cyclists. The UK road crossings system designed toucan crossings specifically to promote cycling while maintaining safety for all road users.
Drive safely on every road
Getting familiar with zebra, pelican, puffin, and toucan crossings makes you a better, safer driver. Each one works differently, but they all share the same goal of protecting pedestrians. When you know how each crossing works, you can react quickly and correctly. This knowledge is particularly important when you are preparing for your test.
Apex Driving School helps learners understand all aspects of road safety for pedestrians and UK road crossings, so that you will feel confident behind the wheel from day one.
